John Schmidt Obituary

Schmidt
John Thomas "Tom" Schmidt
July 28, 1945
December 1, 2025

John Thomas "Tom" Schmidt, born July 28, 1945, passed away on December 1, 2025, surrounded by family. Born in Grinnell, Iowa, to Eileen and Ward Schmidt, Tom was the middle of their three sons. Tom grew up in the wide-open Midwest, where hard work wasn't a slogan; it was just how you lived. Summers meant long days working in the cornfields, learning early that effort and responsibility were part of the deal.
Tom carried that work ethic with him to Simpson College, where he earned a full basketball scholarship and was named team captain. He balanced basketball with waiting tables to cover his living expenses. He was also a proud member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
After college, Tom answered a different kind of call. He entered the military as an officer in the Marines. During the Vietnam War, he piloted the HH-3E "Jolly Green Giant," the enormous rescue helicopter known for going in when others were trying to get out. His service took him from training at Quantico to missions that demanded calm under pressure and a deep sense of duty. He rarely spoke about what he saw or the lives he saved.
When Tom returned home, he began a new chapter in real estate development. He proved to have a natural eye for potential, the kind of person who could look at bare land and see what it could become. He built a successful career in Colorado Springs, eventually serving as president of the Home Builders Association, leading major developments around the Broadmoor Hotel. His work helped shape the beautiful landscape surrounding this iconic hotel.
In 1992, Tom met the great love of his life and married Diana Richter Schmidt. For 33 years, they built a full, joyful life together. Diana and Tom played golf, hosted their Texas friends at the Broadmoor, and loved being together. Laughter was a constant drumbeat that filled their days.
Family was everything to Tom. He was a proud stepfather to Diana's three grown kids and a fun-loving grandfather to his seven grandkids. Summers were spent in Aspen, where he hiked and had all kinds of adventures with his grandkids, who adored him right back. Aspen trips always ended with the coveted awards ceremony, where Tom (known as D.D.) and Diana (known as DiDi) put together the funniest skits and awards for each grandkid. From driving carpool to being a "bouncer" for his grandson's birthday party, Tom was all in! He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Tom lived his life with quiet pride, deep loyalty, and an unwavering sense of responsibility to his country, his work, and especially to the people he loved. He will be profoundly missed. Tom is survived by his widow, Diana Schmidt, his stepchildren: Lisa Nichols, Trey Embrey, and Stacey Rubin. He leaves behind his seven grandkids: Embrey and Mitchell Nichols; Tradd and Ansley Embrey, JJ, Joey, and Diana Rubin; and two great-grandchildren: Bobbi and Margot Rubin.
In his final months, the family is deeply grateful to Maria Martinez and Connie Gomez, whose steady care and kindness meant so much.
Funeral services with military honors will be held for Tom on Friday, December 5th, at 3:00 p.m. at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church, at 102 Lorenz Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209.
Honorary pallbearers will be Mitch Nichols, Mitchell Nichols, Trey Embrey, Tradd Embrey, Tradd Embrey, Jamo Rubin, JJ Rubin, and Joey Rubin.
In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, which supports caregivers of military members and veterans. https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/
You are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.porterloring.com