Michael E. Schmidt

A native of Dallas, Mike was born April 8, 1966 to C.L. Mike Schmidt and the late Linda Moran Schmidt. Charismatic, gregarious and fun-loving, Mike was first and foremost a devoted dad. Married to Wendy, his childhood sweetheart for over 20 years, they raised four amazing children. He adored them and was often called “the fifth kid” as he played their games, spent countless hours with them splashing in the pool, spending time at the lake, enjoying movies and concerts, hiking in Pecos, and showing them the wonders of the world on their many family trips.

Mike attended Highland Park High School where he played football for the 1984 Scots, “The Team With Heart.” He then went to Southern Methodist University, earning a B.A. degree in 1989. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity.

He earned a J.D./M.B.A. from Oklahoma City University in 1992. He then joined his father at The Schmidt Firm, LLP and quickly distinguished himself in the courtroom as an eloquent, highly prepared attorney. Handling cases with both his head and his heart, he zealously represented countless individuals who found themselves victims of various types of negligence.

Certified as a Personal Injury Trial Law Specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Mike was licensed with the State Bar of Texas, Mississippi State Bar, Oklahoma State Bar, State Bar of District of Columbia, West Virginia State Bar and the State Bar of Georgia. He was preparing to take the California bar exam in early February. Mike was also admitted to practice in the United States District Courts – Eastern and Northern Districts of Texas, and Eastern District of Arkansas. He was also a member of several organizations, including the Dallas Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, Texas Trial Lawyers of American and the International Society of Barristers. Mike served on the Board of Directors for both the TTLA and DTLA and won many awards and accolades for legal excellence and professionalism. More important than his resume, however, were the many clients and colleagues with whom Mike developed lifelong friendships.

Mike attended Highland Park Presbyterian Church. Gentle and big-hearted, Mike was truly generous in both spirit, deed and was quick to forgive others. He never failed to empathize with those who were hurting or in need.

Mike leaves behind a large family who loved him and will miss him every day: Wendy and their four kids, Parker, Blake, Ben and Reagan; his father, C.L. Mike Schmidt and his wife, Glenna Goodacre; his brother Ben Schmidt, wife Dee Anna, and their daughter Emily; his sister Catherine Snyder, her husband Stephen and their daughters Annabelle and Gracie. Mike was a wonderful son-in-law to Susan and Frank McMordie; and will be missed by his sister-in-law Jennifer Tipton, her husband Mike and their children Hayes, Kate, and Maggie; and his brother-in-law Chris McMordie and his wife Donna.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held Monday, January 6th at 4 p.m. at Highland Park Presbyterian Church, 3821 University Blvd., Dallas, TX 75205. A reception will be held afterward in Elliott Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michael Schmidt's name to: Baylor Health Care System Foundation, Gift of Life Fund for Celebrating Women, 3600 Gaston Avenue, Suite 100, Dallas, TX 75246, Highland Park Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice.