Charles "Skip" Arthur Schmidt III

Charles Arthur Schmidt III, better known as Skip, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2024.

Skip didn’t believe in always following the rules so this will not be a boilerplate obituary.

Those that loved him or were near and dear know that his passing arrived after a long 8-year battle with kidney disease. Despite the difficulties that come with a long illness, he was as stubborn as they come, and little daunted him. He faced life’s challenges with a perseverance that is rare, but that was true to his character starting in his childhood. 

Skip was born on January 19, 1949, to Charles and Melba Schmidt in St. Louis, MO. He became a big brother to Charlene Schmidt (Schalk) on May 19, 1951. After the untimely death of his father at age 39, Skip became the “man of the house” at the tender age of 16. His unwavering courage was born from this tragedy, and he lived life to the fullest convinced that every year beyond 39 was a bonus. 

He married his wife, Cindy Schmidt (Bell), on December 22, 1973, after a brief 6-month courtship. Until the end, he was shocked that Connie and Rosalee allowed him into the family. He knew he married out of his league and told people that whenever he had the chance. There was little that made him happier than talking about his wife and their daughters, Katie and Maggie. 

The true legacy of Skip’s lifetime is measured by the countless number of friends and people he held dear. He taught and coached in the Ferguson Florissant School District for over 25 years. The students and staff who filled his days during that time remember him fondly, as a goofball with a hearty dose of school spirit. Whether it was coaching football, tennis, volleyball, or being the Grand Marshall of the Homecoming parade, Skip gave 110%. His students knew they would get a firm word when needed, but that it was cast with love. 

In 1989, Skip and Cindy chose to move their family from St. Louis to Edwardsville. Skip adored the Edwardsville community. He spent much of his time, after leaving teaching, working for local organizations like The Wildey, Metro East Humane Society, and the YMCA. He made many friends during his long service on the Edwardsville Parks Board. Public service and civic duty were paramount to his life and he lived those beliefs by serving as an Edwardsville Township Trustee and on the Madison County Board. 

Skip leaves behind his wife Cindy, daughters Katie Robberson (Schmidt) and Maggie Schmidt, his sons-in-law, Aaron Robberson and Kendall Anderson. He was blessed with 5 grandchildren who lit up his life. William, Emmie, Caroline, Hudson, and Kennedy could make him laugh, and get a little crabby, like no other group around. He remained a big kid until the end, enjoying watching them play and participating in the things they loved.

Skip leaves behind his beloved sister and brother in-law, Char and Rich Schalk and nephews Chad (Sydney) Schalk and Brandon (Sarah) Schalk. He also leaves behind “The Bell System”. These are Cindy’s sisters, Dianne Cochran (Bell) and Sue Sperduto (Bell), brothers-in-law Michael, and Ray who preceded him in death, and nieces and nephews Michael, Ben, Heather, Adrian, and Rachel. 

His innumerable friends create a list too long for this obituary, but it includes his Sigma Chi brothers, Mike Delaney, Ken Anderson, Larry Ranek, Larry Siebold, the Seelbachs, the LaRoses, the Bernaixs and so many, many more. If you aren’t named, Skip would likely tell you to deal with it and know you meant the world to him. 

It’s hard to put his lifetime into an obituary. If he wanted it done, he found a way. He put a tennis court in the backyard of his North County home, when the world, and Cindy, thought he was crazy. He picked up tennis at the age of 25 from Connie Bell and turned it into an enormous part of his life.

He was always looking for a project or a way to give back. He spent many years hosting trivia nights for the EHS Drama Club, organizing golf tournaments and events to benefit the American Legion, and serving with Faith In Action. 

He never met a stranger, and growing up Maggie and Katie rarely went somewhere people didn’t know their dad. Someone once said, “he talks to everyone from the custodian to the CEO in the same manner, and he does it like he’s just walking down the aisle of Walmart.”

His legacy is one of fun and an undeterred spirit. He could make just about anything a good time, and was making us laugh even during his last moments here. Loyalty and strong beliefs were at his core, and if he took you in as a friend you were stuck for life. He often referred to himself, partially joking of course, as the man, the myth, the legend. He will forever remain a legend in our hearts. 

In honor of his generous spirit, and his love for coaching and teaching, please consider a donation in lieu of flowers to the Charles A. “Skip” Schmidt Memorial Fund for District 7 Future Legends. This fund will go to support students’ participation in athletics and activities in situations where the financial burden would be too great for the family.

The Edwardsville Community Foundation will manage the fund and can be supported by sending checks written to “ECF-Skip Schmidt Memorial” and mailed to PO Box 102, Edwardsville, IL 62025. If you prefer to donate online follow this link: https://edwardsvillecf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=2023

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 13 at Mio Osteria 224 S Kansas St, Edwardsville, IL 62025. Family and friends can visit anytime between 1:30pm – 5pm. Condolences may be expressed online at weberfuneralhome.com.

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