Gale Stanley Schmidt

Gale Stanley Schmidt, 85, of Leasburg, MO, known affectionately as Tuff to friends and family, passed away peacefully at his home in Leasburg, MO, on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Born on June 29, 1938, in Sullivan, MO, to Russell and Edith (Shoults) Schmidt, Gale was a person whose warm smile and gentle laugh brought joy into the lives of all who knew him.

Gale's early life was spent in the town of his birth, where he attended school and graduated from Sullivan High School in 1956. A patriot at heart, he entered the US Army, serving his country with dedication for three years until a medical incident led to an early but honorable discharge. His love for nature and the great outdoors guided him to Colorado State University at Fort Collins, CO, where he pursued his passion and education in Forestry.

The mountains of Colorado captured Gale's heart as a young man, and it was there he began his career with the Colorado Conservation. Gale's work was more than a job; it was a calling. He was part of the vital effort in fighting forest fires, a role he spoke of with pride and reverence. After many meaningful years in Colorado, he returned to his roots in Sullivan, MO, where he joined Fidelity Communications. His career there spanned an impressive 42 years until his retirement in 2001.

Retirement brought Gale the simple pleasure of spending time on his farm, a tranquil space that reflected his love for nature and animals. It was on September 13, 1980, that Gale married the love of his life, Nancy Voss. Their union was blessed with the birth of two daughters, Sarah and Katie, fulfilling Gale's deep wish of being a father of two girls. He instilled in his daughters his extreme love for animals, a legacy they hold dear.

Gale and Nancy raised their family with love in Sullivan before moving to their cherished farm in Leasburg in 2019. A respected member of the Sullivan Masonic Lodge, Gale's community involvement was a testament to his dedication to service and fellowship.

Gale's interests were as varied as they were passionate. While growing up, he and his brother Gary, with whom he shared a special bond, often went "spelunking" or caving, exploring the depths of the earth. He has been quoted saying, “there isn’t an earth hole in Missouri Gary and I haven’t been in.” He was often found in the woods, collecting arrowheads—he has hundreds that are each meticulously marked with the date and location of his find.

Gale's passion for birds was more than a hobby—it was a testament to his curiosity and love for the natural world. Friends and family often marveled at his encyclopedic knowledge of various species, half-joking that he was a walking encyclopedia who could surely clinch any trivia contest on the subject. Among his other hobbies, Gale was also an avid golfer and lover of photography.

The greatest joy in Gale's life, however, was his family. His beloved wife Nancy was his steadfast companion, by his side through every chapter of their life together until the very end. As a father to his daughters, Gale's hobbies took a backseat to the joys and responsibilities of being their dad. He embraced every moment with his girls, guiding them with kindness and an ever-present sense of humor. Gale's relationship with his son-in-laws, Jeremy and Nathan, was one of mutual respect and affection, punctuated by a unique brand of sarcasm and humor that was their own. The trio shared many laughs and created countless memories that will be cherished for years to come. His grandchildren were the light of Gale's life, each holding a special place in his heart. He approached his role as a grandfather with a tenderness and sweetness that endeared him to each of them.

To describe Gale is to speak of his friendliness, kindness, and humor. He was the embodiment of a life well-lived, filled with laughter, love, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. His legacy is not only in the work he did or the service he rendered but in the lives he touched and the joy he spread. It’s no surprise he passed on a wet and grey day since the world was so much brighter with him in it.

Gale is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; his daughters: Sarah Bryan and husband, Jeremy and Katie Snodgrass and husband, Nathan all of Sullivan; four grandchildren: Riley, Tinley, Cody & Dylan; a sister, Linda Egle of St. Louis, MO; niece and nephews: Mary Trulaske of St. Louis, John Blanton of New York City, and Michael Pauk of St. Louis; and numerous cousins and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Edith Schmidt and siblings, Patricia Blanton and Gary Schmidt.

Services will be 12:00 PM noon, Monday, April 15, 2024 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan with Chaplain Dean Hollenbeck officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at Hill Cemetery in Bourbon, MO.

Visitation will be 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Monday, April, 15, 2024 at the funeral home prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be given in Gale’s memory to Halo for Animals, PO Box 735, Sullivan, MO.

Friends may share condolences online with Gale’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan, MO.