Cooper SchmidtMoran, KS

Cooper Henry Thomas Schmidt, age 20, of Moran, Kansas, passed away April 19, 2026, following injuries sustained in a car accident.

Cooper was born December 20, 2005. Cooper lived a life that left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. He was the kind of person you didn't forget. He lived a life with a quick wit, a fearless sense of humor, and a personality that could light up-or completely take over-a room. He was known not only for his strong work ethic, but for the laughter he brought wherever he went.

Cooper worked for Colt Energy and had previously spent six years with Roadrunners in Chanute. A self-taught and incredibly talented mechanic, he had a natural ability to figure things out and was the person people trusted when they needed something fixed. No matter what he had going on, he would drop everything to help-because that's just who he was. He had a quiet strength, a giving spirit, and a deep loyalty to the people he loved. Whether it was fixing something that seemed impossible or simply showing up when someone needed him, Cooper made a lasting impact on those around him.

He was known for keeping people laughing. The king of sarcasm, Cooper always had something to say-and it was almost never the "appropriate" thing, which somehow made it even better. His humor was unfiltered, his timing unmatched, and his honesty unmistakable. As he would say, "Sometimes you have to hurt people's feelings to make them understand," and while his words could be blunt, they always came from a place of truth. His humor, quick wit, and larger-than-life personality made him someone people gravitate toward and will never forget.

Beneath that humor was a deeply loyal and caring soul. Cooper loved fiercely and showed it in the way he showed up for others.

Cooper was preceded in death by his Uncle Jimmy Schmidt, Bonus grandpa Joe Lilly, niece Paisley Travis and his best four-legged friend, Ollie.

Cooper is survived by the love of his life, Grace Lilly; his parents, John and Korenne Schmidt of Iola, and Hannah Trester of Elsmore. Siblings: Riley Schmidt (Cedric), Humboldt; Emma Schmidt (Quinton), Moran; Kailey Wolken (Trustin), Humboldt; Shelby Daniels (Tyler), Yates Center; Truman Grzybowski and Hudson Schmidt, Iola; Addyson Trester and Rorrick Trester, Moran. He has one niece, Charlotte Trester and one nephew he referred to as Sweet Boy Beckton. Grandparents: Galen & DeeAnn Daniels, Humboldt; Joseph and Carol Olson, Elsmore and Robin Stange, Humboldt. Cooper was blessed with bonus family, Michael and Brady Lilly.

Cooper will be remembered for his loyalty, his humor, and the countless ways he showed up for others. His life, though far too short, was full of meaning and connection, and his impact will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A visitation for family and friends will be Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., in The Venue at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 US Highway 54, Iola, Kansas. A memorial service to honor Cooper's life will be Friday, April 24, 2026, 10:00 a.m., at Harvest Baptist Church, Iola, Kansas. A private family inurnment will be at a later date in Mount Hope Cemetery, Humboldt, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to Cooper Schmidt Scholarship Fund, and may be left with Feuerborn Family Funeral Service.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.