Reverend Henry Maxwell Schmidt

Lakeland- Henry Maxwell Schmidt, 90, died peacefully on November 11, 2017. He was born in Brooklyn, NY on October 2, 1927 to Edna Kufahl and Bruno Schmidt. Henry served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He married his wife, Claire of 50 years on August 27, 1954 in Vero Beach, FL. They had 2 daughters. Henry received degrees from Florida Southern College and Emory University. He was a minister of the United Methodist Church Florida conference for 37 years, retiring in 1989. He and Claire enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. by motor home. In 1999, they moved into Carpenters Home Estates in Lakeland, FL. After Claire passed away in 2005, Henry kept himself busy by wood scrolling, teaching harmonica classes and doing odd jobs at the Estates. Henry traveled to many foreign countries and upon returning presented travel logues. Henry loved people as individuals. The way he lived his life expressed his love for the Lord. He is survived by his daughters, Jean Harville (Terry) of Little Rock, AR and Carolyn Wertz (Ken) of Cary, NC and four grandchildren, Iz and Gabrielle Harville, Nicole Brown and Stephen Brown (Sarah). A celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 am on Monday November 20, 2017 at First United Methodist Church, 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, FL with The Reverend David McEntire officiating. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. Burial will be at Crestlawn Cemetery, 1216 14th St, Vero Beach, FL on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to The Florida United Methodist Children’s Home, 51 Children’s Way, Enterprise, FL 32725 ATTN: Development Department or First United Methodist Church in Lakeland or any charity of your choosing. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.heathfuneralchapel.com