Johnell Schmidt

Johnell Leo Schmidt, 67, of Brenham, passed away April 30, 2005. Mr. Schmidt was born June 30, 1937, in Brownwood, Texas, to parents Emil and Violet White Schmidt. He was an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Temple High School and Temple Jr. College. He was a locomotive engineer for the Santa Fe Railroad for six years. He served in the Army at McGregor Guided Missile Range during the Vietnam War. He received his B.A. and M.A. in Political Science from the University of North Texas. Upon graduating, Johnell married college sweetheart Billie Rae Carlton of Bridgeport, Texas. They moved to Brenham in 1969 where he began his teaching career at Blinn College. He remained there until he retired in 2001. For one year he served as Curator of History at the Star of the Republic Museum at Washington-on-the-Brazos. Their happy union was blessed by two daughters, Catherine Rebecca Schmidt and Rachel Ann Schmidt. Johnell had an undying love of country, liberty and freedom. He believed that an informed public would keep our nation free. He also loved books and Texas history. Johnell was a gentle man with a keen intellect. He was a member of the Brenham Presbyterian Church, a life member of the Washington County Heritage Society, Graham Memorial Corporation, and Graham Lodge # 20 AF&AM, where he had served as Worshipful Master. He had also been a member of Shrine, Commandry and York Rite. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Violet White Schmidt; and sisters, Mary Schmidt, Darlene Lively, and Faye Henderson. He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Billie Schmidt of Brenham; daughters, Catherine Schmidt of Brenham and Rachel Schmidt of College Station; brother, Wayne Schmidt of College Station; sisters, Edna Southerland and husband Donald Southerland of Temple, and Juanell Yakesch, his beloved twin, and her husband Garland of Holland, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews. Public viewing begins at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 3. Visitation with the family present will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 3 at Memorial Oaks Chapel. A celebration of his life will be held at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 4 at the Brenham Presbyterian Church. The Masonic burial service will follow in Prairie Lea Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Nancy Carol Roberts Memorial Library. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main St. in Brenham.