Rodney D. Schmidt M.D.

Rodney D. Schmidt, 73, of Houston, Texas, passed away Tuesday, April 3, 2025 at home after struggling with many illnesses including Parkinson’s disease, a lung transplant due to pulmonary fibrosis, and a major stroke. A dedicated physician and pioneer in his field, Rodney spent most of his professional life in Austin before relocating to Houston in 2020.

Born in Lake Jackson, Texas, on November 28, 1951, Rodney was the son of Roy and Trudy Schmidt. Rodney’s boyhood was rich. He enjoyed playing all kinds of sports and games with all the neighborhood children, especially his best friend, Mark Rooke. He played the piano beautifully and was academically gifted. Excelling in school, Rodney graduated as valedictorian of Brazosport High School’s Class of 1970.

Boy Scouts were very important to Rodney, and he achieved Eagle Scout status. Among his fondest memories were attending Philmont Scouting Ranch in 1966 and joining 14,000 Boy Scouts for the World Scout Jamboree in Idaho in 1967.

Rodney pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Texas, majoring in Zoology and Chemistry. After just three years, he was accepted into Baylor College of Medicine, earning his medical degree in 1976. Dr. Schmidt went to UCLA for his internship and residencies, first in Surgery and then in Radiology, with a Neuroradiology subspecialty. But his home state called him back and he joined Austin Radiological Association in 1982. He was Austin’s first Neuroradiologist — a milestone that reflected both his expertise and pioneering spirit.

Although his work brought him back to Texas, Dr. Schmidt maintained a deep affection for California’s beautiful weather and later purchased land in the Central Coast area, where he built a second home.

One of Rodney’s adult passions was American history, especially history of the Civil War. He collected historic surgical tools from that time. He also has an extensive philatelic (stamp) collection. He was a proud Texas Ex, and particularly enjoyed Longhorn Football and the Longhorn Singers, of which he was a previous singer.

Rodney’s love for travel took him around the world—across all seven continents—always seeking new experiences and perspectives. On August 18, 2012, he married Cynthia Tays. Together, they shared a vibrant life of exploration, love, and family.

Rodney was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Gertrude Schmidt, and his stepmother, Skeet Schmidt.

Rodney is survived by his wife, Cynthia Tays; his children, Kristin Paige Decatur and husband, Jerry Decatur, of Stafford, VA, and Katherine Schmidt Graham and husband, Ryan Graham, of Austin, TX; the mother of his children, Pamela Adlum Vigil of Round Rock, TX; sibling, Susan Smith and husband, Stephen Smith, of Highland Village, TX; step-siblings, David Burkett and wife, Sharon, of Monroe, LA, Colleen Brezden and husband, Mike, of Fredericksburg, TX, and Bill Blythe and wife, Barbara Spaulding; stepchildren, Zachary Tays and wife, Meredith, of Austin, TX, Alana Tays and husband, Travis Forbes, of Austin, TX; grandchildren, Nikolay Kadar, Augustine Decatur, Samual Sasser, Jerry (Noble) Decatur, and Alice Graham; step-grandchildren, Logan Forbes, Calvin Tays, Ezekiel Forbes, and Harper Tays; nieces, Alyson Walz, Sarah Choate, and Ashley Burkett Phiri; and nephew, Matthew Burkett.

Dr. Schmidt’s legacy is one of service, intelligence, and adventure. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, supporting veterans, first responders, and their families. Donations may be sent to:

Tunnel to Towers Foundation

2361 Hylan Boulevard

Staten Island, NY 10306

www.t2t.org