Eric Scorch Karl Schmidt

Haughton, LA

Captain Eric "Scorch" Schmidt passed away on February 1, 2011. He was born in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota on December 14, 1974. He grew up in Windom, Minnesota. Following high school, Eric enlisted in the Air Force and became an AC-130 aerial gunner for six years. He attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee, graduating in 2003 with an Industrial Engineering degree. Commissioned through ROTC, Eric began pilot training at Whiting Field near Pensacola, Florida, flying T-34s, and finished at Vance AFB in Enid, Oklahoma where he flew T-38s. While stationed at Vance, Eric met Laura Ediger, and they married on September 22, 2007. The two were stationed in Minot AFB, North Dakota from September 2007 through September 2009 as part of the 23d Bomb Squadron flying B-52s. Eric deployed as part of Pacific Command's Continuous Bomber Presence mission with Minot's Bomber Barons to Guam in 2009. In September 2009, Eric and his family moved to Barksdale AFB, Louisiana joining the 96th Bomb Squadron. Following a year with the Red Devils, Eric changed squadrons to the Posse, the 2d Operations Support Squadron.

Celebration of Life service will be held for Captain Eric Schmidt on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 11:00 am at Chapel 2 on Barksdale Air Force Base. The family will be receiving friends on Friday, February 4, 2011 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Hill Crest Funeral Home Chapel.

The Lord blessed Eric and Laura with a healthy baby boy named Landon Eric on October 11, 2010.

Eric was a source of inspiration and strength to everyone who crossed his path. He was a pilot, a leader, a brother, a friend, a son, and a father. He will be dearly missed by his wife Laura, son Landon, his parents Bill and Rita Schmidt, brother Gregg, e Martha, Will, and Micah, and by a host of family and friends. He was a man who lived devoted to his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Eric has been a part of Open Door Bible Church since coming to Bossier City.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting www.hillcrestmemorialfh.com.