Lawrence R. Schmidt was born on August 15, 1925. He lived to be 94 years old, passing away on April 24, 2020.
Lawrence was born in Michigan. He was raised on a farm during the Great Depression. He started working at a very young age. Anything he could do to make some extra money for his family. He would save 5 cents a week though, to treat his younger sister to an ice cream cone. He told me it was their little secret. He attended Catholic school growning up until he joined the Marines at the age of 17. Weeks before his 18th birthday.
Lawrence served with the U.S. Marines in World War II from 1943-1946 in the South Pacific and North China. He was a member of the China Marines Association. After serving his country, Lawrence married Rachael Cogburn on November 23, 1953. They had 5 children, 3 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. Lawrence was always an active and devoted family man, putting the needs of his children before his own desires. Some of his favorite times were holidays and family functions.
Lawrence played Minor league Baseball after his service term was up. Always hoping to go to the Major Leagues. With a passion for sports, he was a coach for the youth baseball and softball leagues. Lawrence also managed and coached the American Legion Baseball team in his hometown. When he wasn’t coaching, he would enjoy a good golf game with his friends and family, never passing up the chance to get everyone together, inviting them back home to barbeque and spending quality time with the people he loved so much.
Lawrence was a man that was hard to get mad at. He never judged but rather listened and helped the best he could. A fun loving and good-hearted soul, he always had a good joke in his back pocket and was the first person to offer as much help and support as possible. Despite his good nature, he was also someone you didn’t want to mess with. He was a tough Marine boxer and he taught us not to be pushed around or bullied.
Lawrence worked as a Real Estate Broker and Salesman for most of his life. Starting in 1969. He was also a Meat Cutter, Security Guard, Grocery Store Manager, among the many things he could do. A Jack of many trades. “A penny made is a penny earned” he used to say.
A faithful man, Lawrence believed in the power of church and would make time to go with his loved ones to honor the word of the Lord.
Lawrence was the best man I have known, and his family is going to miss him deeply.
A Gathering will be held on Saturday, May 22, 2021 from 1PM to 2PM with a Memorial Service to begin at 2PM at the Haisley Tribute Center 2041 SW Bayshore Blvd Port St. Lucie, FL 34984.