Oakdale - Earl Eugene Schmidt Jr, born on October 10, 1943, was an aerospace engineer, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great great grandfather, among many other things, went to be with the Lord on May 15, 2025, to play the heavenly greens with his dog, Mom, by his side. He was a long-time resident of Santa Ana, California and hoped to remain there. He loved his home and was able to stay there for as long as he could with the help of his dear friend Jessica, until traveling to Louisiana to be with family at the end of his life's journey. He was surrounded by loved ones at the time of his passing.

His favorite pass times in life were golfing, gardening, taking college courses, and spending time with his dogs. He was a lifelong student and seeker of knowledge. His skills and knowledge are implanted on earth, in space, and on everyone he left behind.

Earl is survived by his children, Tamara Schmidt Gordon & husband, Casey and Christopher Schmidt & wife, Cheryl; grandchildren, Megan Rodriguez, Reyan Foust & wife, Christina, Adrian Touchet & wife, Morgan, and Alexandria Tolbert & husband, David; great grandchildren, Kailyn, Sadie, Jason, Addisyn, Tristina, Amersyn, Karson, Kayson, Ace, and Ayvia Faith; great great grandchild, Nova Lynn; his faithful fur baby, Weasel Diesel.

He is preceded in passing by his parents, Earl, Sr. & Ruby Schmidt; brother, Robert "Bob" Choate; fur baby, Mom.