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Leslie Eugene Schmidt
Kerrville – Leslie Eugene Schmidt, loving husband, friend, educator and artist passed away Monday, October 12, 2009, in the VA Hospital, Kerrville. Born March 13, 1922 in Del Rio, to Frank and Ruby (Chastang) Schmidt, he was 87.
Mr. Schmidt served as a Sergeant in the United States Army during World War II. He was a life-long member of the First United Methodist Church on Spring St. He graduated from Trinity University in 1949 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Art. He later attended USC, then UCLA, studying Art History.
He worked for the State Department in Washington DC. Leslie was involved in the Marshall Plan, restoring art and music in Europe, in the early 1950s. This position allowed him to travel all over The Continent. Later he worked for the Veteran’s Administration in Los Angeles CA. This was followed with teaching in Houston in the 1960s.
He retired to Del Rio, and was a substitute teacher for several years. He met his future wife Lavonne in 1962. When she returned to Del Rio in 1991, they resumed their relationship. On March 13, 1993, he married Lavonne Tilloson in Del Rio in a garden wedding.
Leslie was the Featured Artist in an early First Friday Art Walk, at Casa de las Culturas – showing 20 paintings. He primarily worked in watercolors, enjoying creating landscapes, many from his travels in Europe. Mr. Schmidt enjoyed art in all its expressions, working in several areas including pottery, pastels, and oil. A major interest was lithography.
Mr. Schmidt was a life-long member of the Del Rio Art League, being one of the founding members. He was also active in the Val Verde Historical Commission, and was President for ten years of the Del Rio Cemetery Association.
Survivors include wife, Lavonne Schmidt of Kerrville, and sisters, Frances Haldt of South Carolina, Lee Crozier and Norma Wendlandt, both of Brenham.
A graveside military funeral was held Thursday October 15, 2009 at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio. The ceremony was officiated by Rev. Warren Hornung of First United Methodist Church, Kerrville. Arrangements were handled by Grimes Funeral Chapel, Kerrville.
Memorial may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Published October 22, 2009
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