DADDY Dean M. Schmidt was our earthly daddy who taught us to love unconditionally and discipline with love as our Heavenly Father God taught him. Born in Paradise, KS, September 17, 1937, his name was Donald Dean Miller, the sixth child born to Faye and Vernon Miller. We found his 1st grade report card where his teacher explained how he liked learning and he was sweet and pleasant to have around. Tragedy struck his family November 25, 1943, for sister, Virginia Carol was born one month pre-mature and lived for twelve hours. Two weeks later their momma Faye died due to blood crossing. Aunt Helen, their oldest sibling had just recently married and did what she could to help with the raising of her siblings but proved to be too difficult. Grief stricken six-years-old Donald Dean ran wild and free for five years. Making the most difficult decision for the survival of the family, Donald Dean and Vernita Faye were to be adopted out. Brother Raymond remembers after he was away enlisted in the Marines in 1948-49, how devastated he was to find out the news of his two youngest siblings. Irvin and Esther Schmidt lived on a farm in Kalvesta, KS, had no children of their own, and had adopted a baby boy and named him Donald Robert Schmidt. The Schmidts learned of Vernons decision to adopt out Donald Dean and Vernita Faye. After the adoption, Donald Deans name was legally changed to Dean M. Schmidt, M. in honor of the Miller name. During the adoption process, somehow his birthdate was changed to September 16, 1937. Although the adoption was closed and sealed, Grandma Esther insisted that Dean and Vernita grow up, keeping them in close contact with their birth family. What a powerful blessing that was! The Schmidts moved to Cimmaron, KS where he graduated Cimmaron High School in 1955, then attended a semester or two at Bethany-Peniel College. He met M. Earlene Schmidt in Larned, KS and married her October 13, 1957, eventually moving to Oklahoma City in 1968. Not far from our new home was Western Oaks Church of the Nazarene, where we faithfully attended and became members since 1968. While working as a milk man for Gilt Edge Dairy, he would go to the customers homes to collect their payments. A young girl answered the door and very excitedly yelled for her mother saying "Mommy! Your birthday wish came true! Glen Campbell is at the door!" A few years later he went to work for Jim Emmerts EMMCO Insulation. Dean would travel around insulating the Four Seasons Nursing Homes. Scotty and I have fond memories of going with him on occasion. Phil Cobb soon started Athenian Marble and asked Dean to be his first employee. He worked for Phil faithfully till February 2004. CSC became his final employer where he was known and loved as Pop. He worked security for OU athletic events, including security in the trophy room. Early February 2020 Dean had his first stroke at the age of 82. Even though his body was broken and twisted with Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis, he managed to recover enough to take care of himself, his pets, and drive his brand-new truck. Dean was a hard worker continuing to remodel and paint his home till his second stroke May 7, 2022, at the age of 84. Survivors include his brothers, Raymond Miller and wife, Dena, and Marvin Miller; son, Scotty Schmidt and wife, Bertha; daughter, Sherri Reynolds and husband, Larrie; grandchildren, Kyle Schmidt, Jill Hardin, Benjamin Reynolds, Thomas Reynolds, Melissa Freund; and great-grandchildren, Ellie, Lily, Aurora and one on the way. We will miss his mischievous smile with the twinkle in his eye, known and loved by many. God took you home to rest your earthly body, but we know you are celebrating dancing the "jig" in heaven for your heavenly body is no longer twisted and broken. FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS . Visitation with Family Present Mercer-Adams Funeral Service Thursday, May 12, 2022 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 3925 North Asbury Avenue Bethany, Oklahoma 73008 Viewing Thursday 9am-8pm at Mercer-Adams Visitation with Family Present Mercer-Adams Funeral Service Friday, May 13, 2022 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 3925 North Asbury Avenue Bethany, Oklahoma 73008 Viewing Friday, 9am-8pm at Mercer-Adams Memorial Service The Fellowship at Western Oaks Tuesday, May 24, 2022 10:00 AM 7901 N.W. 16th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73127