Gary Schmidt Obituary

Gary Allen Schmidt of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away on Friday, July 18, 2025. Mr. Schmidt was born in Denver, Colorado, on November 27, 1941. He was adopted, at birth, by Frederick W. and Marguerite (Mickey) Galyean Schmidt, of Delta, Colorado. Gary was raised in Delta and was a member of the Delta High School Class of 1960, where he excelled in track and basketball. He was a state champion in high hurdles.

Mr. Schmidt earned a B.A. degree from Western State College, Gunnison, Colorado in 1964. Following this he attended Washington State University in Pullman where he earned an M.S. in 1967 and a PhD. in 1973, both in the discipline of psychology.

Mr. Schmidt took a position as a psychology intern in the Palo Alto VA Health Care System, in California, first in the traumatic brain injury clinic, and then as a staff psychologist with the in-patient and out-patient clinic, from 1969 until his retirement in 2003. He married Susan Petherick in 1965 and had a son, Aaron. That marriage ended in divorce. He married Rose McClanahan in 1979, and they had a daughter, Caitlin, as well as a son, Nathan, who died at birth.

Mr. Schmidt moved to Lawrence from San Jose, CA, in 2005. He and his wife were members of the Lawrence First United Methodist Church, where he was active in adult education offerings, the Justice and Mercy Ministries, as well as leading a Sunday School class. He also regularly attended St. Luke A.M.E. Church.

Mr. Schmidt was an eager and active volunteer after his retirement. In California, he volunteered in an adult literacy program. Here in Lawrence, Mr. Schmidt volunteered with Jubilee Cafe, with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), an organization supporting children in foster care, and as a reading buddy at New York School. Gary was a member and past-president (2012-13) of the Lawrence Breakfast Optimist Club. He was a member of the Lawrence chapter of the NAACP, and was active in Justice Matters, with a focus on Restorative Practices in Schools.

In 2017, Gary discovered younger biological siblings: a sister Carolyn Smith (Eden) and a brother, John Garner (Sylvia) in California, as well as 6 nieces and nephews. It gave him great pleasure getting to know these siblings. Mr. Schmidt was preceded in death by his parents, a dearly loved sister, Julie Sodia, an infant son, and a dear cousin, Lance Hodgin. Gary is survived by his wife of 46 years, Rose, his daughter Caitlin, of Lawrence, his son Aaron (Carrie), grandchildren Emelia Sabine (Neal), Gideon, Santiago, and Benicio, and great-grandchildren Avni and Ole, all of Wisconsin. Gary was beloved by his family and will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Justice Matters through Lawrence First United Methodist Church.

A memorial service is set for 11:00 AM, Friday, August 15, 2025, at The First United Methodist Church - Downtown Lawrence.

For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.