Warren Joseph Schmidt, 85, of Hays, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, October 4 at his home with his family by his side. Warren was born on March 16, 1941, in Catherine, Kansas to Alvin and Rose Schmidt.
He grew up on the family farm in Catherine until he was 12 when they moved into Hays. He was a proud 1959 graduate of St. Joseph Military Academy and a 1964 graduate of Fort Hays State University with a master’s degree in business education and administration.
He was united in marriage to Beth (Treaster) Schmidt on July 17, 1972. They celebrated 54 years of marriage. From this union, they were blessed with two children, Shaun and Jennifer.
His career in education consisted of teaching business, athletic director, principal, and superintendent. He also bravely taught driver’s education for several years. Throughout his 37 years in education he coached, officiated, and supported teams whether at the game or at home. In the early 1960’s he played baseball for the Hays Larks. He also coached the Hays American Legion baseball team. In 1968 the team moved on to the semifinals in the 7-state regional in North Dakota and took third place
After retirement he and Beth filled their time with travel and adventure from one side of the continent to the other and many places in between. His love of sports continued. He supported local high school teams as well as Fort Hays State Tigers, where he was a long-time season ticket holder and Tiger Club member. He also faithfully followed KSU, KU, and the Kansas City Chiefs. He especially loved golfing and proudly accomplished two holes in one.
Warren was a member of St. Catharine Catholic church and was a long-time member of St. Catherine Knights of Columbus.
Warren is survived by his wife, Beth; his daughter Jennifer (Schmidt) Hobbs (Michael Hobbs) and two grandsons Nicholas Hobbs and Anthony Hobbs of Navarre, FL; sister Carol Sanders (Charley Sanders) of Arvada, CO; and very special nieces and nephews Greg Sanders, Gretchen Perilli, Tricia Corcoran, and Derek Hanson.
He was preceded in death by his parents Alvin and Rose (Schmidt) Schmidt, son Shaun Schmidt, and sister Kathleen (Schmidt) Hanson.
A mass of Christian burial will begin at 10:30 AM Saturday October 17, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic church with celebrant Father Earl Befort. A private family burial will be planned for a later date.
Visitation will take place from 9:00 AM -10:00 with a St. Catherine Knights of Columbus rosary service at 10:00 AM
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials for St. Joseph-Stained Glass Window Restoration Project.
Memories may be shared on Warren’s tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com