1939-2026
Richard Barry Schmidt was born July 31, 1939, at McPherson Hospital in McPherson,
KS to Nora Lancaster Schmidt and Clarence Schmidt. Richard grew up on the family
farm, Hilltop Turkey Farm, between McPherson and Lindsborg. Richard met and began
dating the love of his life, Elaine Lillian, while they both attended McPherson High
School. After attending Ottawa University, Richard married Elaine Lillian, on August 6,
1961. Together they grew a loving family and maintained a beautiful partnership that
would span decades. They built a life centered around strong faith, hard work, loads of
laughter, oodles of love, and their family. Their 65th wedding anniversary will be next
month.
After marrying Elaine, Richard embarked on a spirited entrepreneurial journey. He
partnered with his father, Clarence, to operate Hilltop Turkey Farm. Under their
dedicated stewardship, the farm successfully raised up to 14,000 turkeys each year,
growing to become the largest operation of its kind in Kansas. Expanding his
agricultural pursuits, he also raised Charolais, Chianina, Hereford, and Angus cattle.
One of the calves Richard raised won grand champion steer at the 1983 Kansas
Classic Jackpot Steer Show. 195 steers were in the competition. The winning steer
was a Chianina-Angus cross, weighing in at 935 lbs.
Richard pursued his interest in genetics and became one of the early ranchers in the
area to utilize Artificial Insemination (AI) to improve his herd. His reputation and
knowledge in building a strong herd was used by local farmers and ranchers for many
years.
Following the farm & ranch ventures, Richard purchased and successfully ran the
Schmidt Water Conditioning business for several years. He won many national honors
from Water Tech Industries over the years.
A man with a joyous spirit, Richard loved to laugh and deeply cherished the time he
spent with his family and friends. His true passions lay in the great outdoors—hunting,
fishing, and embracing anything that involved nature. At home, he could always be
found meticulously tending to his tomato garden. Those who knew him well will fondly
(or not so fondly) remember the familiar scent of his preferred pipe tobacco that lingered
in his garage and truck—a scent so “wonderfully” potent that rolling down the windows
was simply a part of riding alongside him.
Richard went to be with the Lord on July 14, 2026, at the age of 86.
Richard is survived by: his beloved wife, Elaine Lillian Schmidt; his three daughters
and three sons-in-law, Susie and Greg Leonard, RaeLene and Patrick Gilbert, and Kristi
and Pat Mitchell; seven grandchildren, Daine Meinen, Chad Leonard, Charla Leonard
Magruder, Kogan Finney, Ashley Finney Burch, Allison Finney, and Kyne Finney; nine
great-grandchildren, Bella Meinen, Luke Meinen, Logan Meinen, Riata Davanzo, Briar
Newman, Layla Magruder, Lillian Leonard, Kaulder Burch, Sampson Newman; and his
siblings, (twin) Ramon Schmidt, Nori Schmidt Hale, and Shirley Schmidt Short.
Richard was preceded in death by: his infant newborn sister, Ann Schmidt, his
mother, Nora Schmidt, his father, Clarence Schmidt, his step-mother, Marie Schmidt, his
brother, John Schmidt, and his sister, Virginia Schmidt Engborg, and former son-in-law,
Larry Meinen.
A celebration of Richard's life will be held at the Evangelical Covenant Church, 102 S
Washington St, Lindsborg, Kansas, Tuesday, July 28 at 10a.m.
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Richard’s grandchildren, and great-
grandchildren.
As we celebrate Richard, in lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be
made to:
Murray Co Jr Livestock Association
POB 52
Sulphur, OK 73086
-or-
McPherson Co Community Foundation, Crossroads Project (4H building project)
1223 N Main
McPherson, KS 67460
Service/Mass
