He was born in Houston on October 8, 1943 to Walter and Olga Schmidt. Howard graduated from Reagan High School in Houston in 1961 and then went to the University of Houston where he earned BS, MS, and PhD degrees in physics. He was married to Donna Jean Jarvis Schmidt for 26 years (1962-1988) and raised 2 sons, David and Richard. After college, he worked as a mechanical engineer and project manager in the industrial construction industry for 30+ years, primarily at Bechtel, where he retired in 2008. Howard was married to Judy Garick Schmidt for 31 years (1991-2023).
Howard was a man of faith for his entire life and instilled that faith in his family. He loved to play golf, go fishing, and work in his garden. He also enjoyed good food, both cooking and eating. He was particularly fond of eating a good meal with a glass of wine (or two). Howard had a very droll sense of humor; he never met a pun he didn't like. He loved to read, especially classics, history, and philosophy -- even though he thought most philosophers were idiots; he would frequently quote/sing Monty Python's Philosopher's Song. He had a passion for Texas history and went on many family trips to various historical sites in the state.
Howard was a very loving and caring father, son, husband, and man. He will be greatly missed.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Olga, and his brother, Walter Jr.
Howard is survived by his wife Judy Schmidt, his sons David Schmidt and Richard (Michelle) Schmidt, his daughter Kelly (David) Worsham, his brother Henry (Margret) Schmidt, and his grandchildren Christian Schmidt, Riley Worsham, and Kalyn Worsham.
Visitation for Howard will be held Friday, April 21, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Heights Funeral Home, 1317 Heights Blvd., Houston, Texas 77008. Funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 10:00 AM, at Heights Funeral Home. Interment will follow at 1:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Sawyer St., Houston, Texas 77007.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.heightsfuneralhome.com for the Schmidt family.
