Larry told me this year at Round Up and Best Bites (aka RUBB), that he was diagnosed with cancer.  At the time, he was working with our committee to help pull off this large event.  I was struck by the strength of Larry as he told me.  I immediately remembered all the times he helped me early in my tenure with Rodeo.  He would have insight for me.  How does Rodeo work.  Who were good people with which to work.  He told me his diagnosis without missing a beat.  As if it was just another challenge life handed him.  

Larry was a Captain for our committee.  He would help us with our Texas Wineries.  It was a passion for him.  When I spoke with him through the year (our committee starts much earlier in the year then traditional Rodeo committees), I asked if he would like a year off or still help the team.  He thought about it, and then said he would like to keep helping.  And so he did.  

We would continue to talk through the year.  The last time we communicated was at the end of October.  I asked how he was, and if we could help he or Diane.  The next day he responded back with 'survived'.  I was prayerful he had made it to a good place.  2 weeks later, during our wine competition, of which, the wineries he helped would compete,  came word of his passing.   When I went around to some of our volunteers and let them know the sad news, they all had tears.  They also would tell me how they knew Larry and how much he was loved.  

And loved and respected he is.  We will keep Larry in our prayers.  

Darrin Baumunk,  Winery Relations Committee, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo

Diane, the service today was lovely, the stories were funny and loving from your dear friends.  I’m so very grateful to have met  and volunteered with you and Larry for so many years at the Wine Garden. And yes Larry’s smile and laugh was infectious. 🥰
 
Love and Prayers

Diane 

Diane,

I am so glad that I had the privilege of getting to know both you and Larry while we worked together on the Rodeo Houston Wine Committees. May God’s love be a comfort to you.

A toast and raised glass of wine to you my friend. So many years of you and Diane’s friendship is my treasure. Rest In Peace and thank you for a beautiful legacy and life well lived good and faithful son!

I was fortunate to be asked to join my brother and his wife on a vacation over 10 years ago. Through this group, I was introduced to Larry and Diane. We just love them.  He was a fun guy to be around. I will always remember them coming to dinner after a day in the sun with his Scotch that be bought at Duty free for our trips. This last January while we were in Antigua, he had shared with us about his cancer.  My heart hurt. Fast forward to a few weeks ago and I was told it was worse, my heart sank... We lost a great person.  I will truly miss him and I know he's in a better place. 


I was lucky enough to meet Larry a couple of years ago through the Livestock Show and Rodeo winery relations committee. I think we both felt an immediate connection and respect for one another. My real regret is that I did not meet him and Diane much sooner and have more time to spend with them. I have had the privilege of having their feet under my table for a wine dinner and wish we had shared many more. So thankful to have know him. A truly very special man. 
He and Diane were also great ambassadors for Texas wine makers and brought many double gold winners to our competition.


Larry was such a great mentor and friend on the Armed Forces Appreciation Committee. He was always smiling and had such an charismatic attitude that you had to smile too.  I'll forever be thankful that he was part of my rodeo family. 

We had the honor of knowing Larry and serving together on the Armed Forces Committee and also the Winery Relations Committee. Larry was the consummate volunteer and gentleman. We will remember his warmth, his leadership and humility.
We are grateful to have known him.
Our hearts are with beautiful Diane.
He will be missed.
Carol and Tom

Diane, may you find comfort knowing there is one more Angel in Heaven.  From reading about Larry, he was an amazing person and lived a great life.  He touched many lives and including my daughter’s life.  You see I had never got the privilege to meet such a wonderful person, someone that brought a smile to my daughters face every day she saw him at work.  I did get the privilege to pray for him every day and especially when she didn't see him in the office.  May God bless you as He did my daughter.  I pray that God will cause his face to shine upon you and wipe those tears from your eyes.  

I'll always remember Larry smiling and telling me something that I didn't know!  He always knew something about everything and that impressed me so much!  Diane and Larry will always be remembered riding the motorcyle and having a great time wherever they went!  It won't be the same without his optimistic viewpoint in this world.

God bless you, Larry.  I will raise a glass in your honor tonight...

Larry was such a great guy!  We loved to hear him tell jokes.  He sure could make us laugh.  You always had a good time with Larry around.  He will be dearly missed.   Our hearts go out to you, Diane.  We are keeping you in our prayers.   RIP Larry.  Much love, Lynette, Sid and Michael

We loved to hear Larry laugh. He had a wonderful sense of humor. We also shared a love of motorcycles and often talked of taking a road trip. We will miss you so much Larry. You were one of the “good guys” and you and your lovely  wife made such a beautiful couple. Save a spot in Heaven for us, because we know you are there. 

As a leadership of our fraternity, Larry made a difference.  We pray for you and your family. Peace & Love.

Diane,
My heart goes out to you and your family. My condolences!

I loved to answer the phone and hear a cheerful Larry saying "Hey Cuz," and listen to him share his latest  adventures with Diane. Larry's love of our country and the military always amazed me. Let's also not forget his love of wine! I will miss you Cuz and wish we had more time for adventures.

Dear Diane, 
My condolences for your loss. I was saddened to hear that Larry was ill, and now cannot believe he is gone. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you the strength during this trying time. Again, my condolences, Diane

OBITUARY

Larry Edward Schmidt

October 15, 1959 – November 15, 2020

American Heritage Funeral Home

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