Lawrence R. Schmidt, 80, Marion, passed away at 12:57 am on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at VA Northern Indiana Health Care System. He was born in Saginaw, Michigan, on Sunday, February 3, 1946, to Loraine and Geraldine (Ritzer) Schmidt. On December 29, 1967, he married the love of his life, Yong Cha Chun, in Korea, who preceded him in death.
Lawrence proudly served his country as a Vietnam Veteran in 1965-1966 with the United States Army, 1st Infantry Division (Big Red 1), and remained in active duty until 1971. He was an active member for many years of the Howard County Vietnam Veterans Organization and was also a member of the American Legion in Marion, Indiana. To his friends, he was affectionately known as “Crossfire.” Lawrence worked as a truck driver throughout his career. He deeply loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed music, guns, fishing, and relaxing in his “man cave” garage. Above all, Lawrence was a strong Christian man, faithful to the Lord and a devoted member of St. Paul Catholic Church.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Yong Cha Chun.
Survivors include his sons, Hun (Karin) Schmidt of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Larry (Amy) Schmidt of Marion; his daughters, Tracy (Robert) Riddle of Sweetser and Tammy (Ronnie) Adcock of Marion; grandsons, Robert Riddle Jr., Jonathan Riddle, Matthew Schmidt, Zachary Schmidt, and Bryson Adcock; granddaughter, Madison (Marcus) Fields; great-grandson, Charles Riddle; and great-granddaughters, Emily Riddle and Eliana Fields.
The family will receive visitors from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
A funeral mass to celebrate Lawrence’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026, at St. Paul Parish 1009 W. Kem Rd., Marion, IN. Father Michael Block will be officiating with burial following at Gardens of Memory – Marion.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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