George Andrew Schmidt

Columbiana- George Andrew Schmidt, age 97, of Columbiana, passed away on Wednesday, August 16, 2017, at Heritage Manor in Youngstown.

He was born on November 14, 1919 in Mahoning County, Beaver Township, near Pine Lake, the son of the late Coll A. and Lois (Crook) Schmidt.

George spent most of his life in the Fairfield Township area. He was a graduate of Fairfield Centralized High School, attended, Ohio State, Youngstown State, and Kent State University. He also completed a course at Salem Trades Class. George worked in the Field Services department and Spare Parts department at the Electric Furnace Company and traveled the world. He retired in 1983 but continued as a consultant for several years. He was a veteran of the United States Army, having served during WW II. After attending Radio School at Truax Field in Madison, Wisconsin, he served as a radio operator attaining the rank of Sgt. He served in the 8th, and later in the 9th air force, 323rd Bomb Group, 456th Bomb Squadron in the European Theater of Operations and he served in England, France and Germany.

George was a member of the Benjamin Firestone Post # 290, American Legion in Columbiana. He was a lifetime member of the East Fairfield United Methodist Church where he served as a member of the Chancel Choir for many years. He also served as chairman of several committees including the Finance and Administrative Council. For many years he was the co-teacher of the Loyal Workers Sunday School class.

His wife, the former, Virginia Conrad, whom he married in 1947, departed this life in October of 2008 after 61 years of marriage.

He is survived by two sons, Dale (Leah) Schmidt of Cortland, and Gary Schmidt of Columbiana; a daughter, Jill Khol of Kent; three grandchildren, Erika Schmidt of Oklahoma City, OK, Craig Schmidt (Elaina) of Columbiana, and Justin Khol (Brittany) of Columbus; three step-grandchildren, Tara Knight (Nick Haney, fiancAC.) of Cleveland, Adrienne (Rob) Hammill of Cincinnati, and Matthew Khol of Akron; four great-grandchildren, Braidy Mitchell Willis and Rylin Monroe Willis both of Oklahoma City, OK, Blake Andrew Schmidt and Trent David Schmidt of both Columbiana; two step great-grandchildren, Joseph Matthew Hammill and Rebecca Margery Hammill of Cincinnati, a sister, Evalyn Morris of New Waterford, and many special nieces and nephews.

George was preceded in death by a sister, Ina Mae Noel and a son-in-law, Timothy Khol.

The family would like to give special thanks to Diane who helped with his care the last few years. A special thanks to Gene and Catherine and the many family and friends, too many to name, that helped him these past years. A special thanks to Covington Skilled Nursing, St. Elizabeth's Boardman Hospital, Harbor Light Hospice, Heritage Manor Nursing Facility and the VA in Calcutta, Ohio.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 19, 2017, from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana.

Services will be held on Sunday, August 20, 2017, at 3:00 p.m. at the East Fairfield United Methodist Church with Rev. Deborah Quillen officiating. The family will again receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Burial will be at Columbiana Cemetery where military honors will be accorded by the Benjamin Firestone Post #290, American Legion.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the East Fairfield United Methodist Church.

Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences at www.familycareservices.com