William B Schmidt, Md

Major W. B. Schmidt, M. D., 94 of Robinson, IL, died at 2:45 p.m. Monday, February 22, 2010 at his home. He was born February 10, 1916 in Robinson, IL, the son of Gustave F. Schmidt, Sr. and Elizabeth Butler Schmidt.“Dr. Bill” graduated from the Robinson school system, then attended the University of Illinois for his pre-med, and graduated from the Chicago Medical School in 1940. He interned for two years at the Illinois Central Hospital in Chicago and the Riverview Hospital in Paducah, KY. He returned to Robinson and joined his father, G. F. Schmidt, Sr., M. D., and his brothers, G. F. Schmidt, Jr., M. D., Walter Fl Schmidt, D. D. S. in 1941 in the practice of medicine at the Schmidt Clinic. With the exception of his tour of duty during WWII, he practiced medicine in Robinson for 58 years, retiring in March of 1998. Major William B. Schmidt, M. D. served in the 8th Infantry Division in the European Theater of Operations as a Combat Physician during WWII and was honorably discharged on January 1, 1946. He was awarded the Bronze Star and four battle stars, plus the French Medal of Freedom. After his discharge, he served in the U. S. Army Reserve for several years as a Medical Officer for the State of Illinois. He was a Patriot!He was a member of the Robinson Kiwanis, the Robinson Elks Lodge #1188, the Robinson V. F. W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, a Lifetime member of the Robinson Masonic Lodge #250, and the Quail Creek Country Club. He was also a member of the National, State, and Crawford County Medical Societies.On March 8, 1979 her married Elizabeth “Bette” Bumgarner Farley, and she survives. He is also survived by his son and daughter-in-law, William Terry Schmidt, D. D. S. and Pearl; his granddaughter, Susan Schmidt, Edmond, OK; 4 step children, Mary Ann Jennings, James A. Farley, John A. Farley, William A. Farley and their spouses; 9 step grandchildren; and 12 step great grandchildren. He loved his family, his home, the City of Robinson, and his Country.He was preceded in death by his parents; his 2 brothers, G. F. Schmidt, Sr., M. D. and Walter F. Schmidt, D. D. S.It was his wishes that he be cremated without funeral services. For those who wish, Memorials may be made to the Crawford County Historical Society, the Oblong Christian Children’s Home, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.