COLUMBUS
Donald Lewis Schmidt, also known as Diamond Don by his friends, passed away on his own terms at the farm he loved, where mowing grass was his therapy, surrounded by his friends and family on November 12th, 2023. Don was born on July 12th, 1935, to Bernice S. And Donald George Schmidt in Madison Indiana. His family moved to Indianapolis, Indiana where he attended grade school 69 and met his wife of 68 years Patty Sullivan during the 1st grade. Don went on to graduate from Arsenal Technical High School in 1954. Don and Pat were later married on September 18th, 1955, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Don worked as a union carpenter on bridges and roads. He also worked constructing new homes. Donald Allen and Kimberly were born to him and his wife in Indianapolis, Indiana. He and his family later moved to Columbus in 1965 where they started their business, Overhead Door of Columbus Inc. With the help of family and great friends, he operated his business for 53 years. During his ownership, he won many awards from the Overhead Door Corporation. He always treated his employees as if they were his own family. Don taught his employees well, and a few of them went on to become competitors. He was president of Schmidt Construction Company where he developed Miles Ridge in Madison, Indiana, and Hidden River Valley in Sellersburg, Indiana. He and Pat spent their winters at Fort Myers Beach, Florida where he enjoyed fishing and cruising on his boat around Southern Florida. They also enjoyed traveling around the United States and Canada in their motor home.
Don was very generous to all of his friends and never failed to lend a helping hand. Don worked hard and played even harder. Diamond Don was a bit flashy and had a potty mouth. 5:00 PM was his CC and yellow cup time. Sometimes in his speedo and pink crocs terrorizing Grandview Lake on his Sea-Doo later relaxing in his hot tub overlooking the lake. Their neighbors would say, “The Schmidts are coming home while we are eating breakfast!” He was always the life of the party; you always knew he was there. He was the biggest duck in the puddle. He shared his love for racing and drove a Datsun 2000 in SCCA Racing and he participated in the finals at Road America. Don loved horses, motorcycles, and running equipment. His favorite pastime was socializing over lunch at the Downtown Dairy Queen. His family and friends are very thankful for the many things he did for all of them.
Don was preceded in death by his son Donald A. Schmidt, his daughter Kimberly Schmidt, his grandson Collin Schmidt, and his parents.
Don is survived by his wife of 68 years Pat Schmidt, grandson Griffin Schmidt of L.A. California, Kip A. and Clare Corya of Mesa, Arizona, Brandon and Carla Corya of Columbus, Indiana, his great-grandchildren Taylor, Charlie, Myla Corya, Adriana (Philip) Artis, great great grandson Lance Carter Artis who he lovingly nicknamed L.C. and many more cousins and friends.
There will be no formal service scheduled for Don. We ask that you keep Don in your heart and memory to honor him. Please make donations to Our Hospice of South-Central Indiana in lieu of flowers.
Arrangements were entrusted to Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home.
