Harlan Richard Schmidt

Harlan R Schmidt Jr., Colonel, US Army-Retired, age 88 of Gig Harbor, WA died at his home on Monday, July 30, 2018 of multiple melanoma. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on December 5, 1929 to Harlan J & Ada I (Greene) Schmidt. He was an only child. After graduation from Withrow High School, he became an enlisted soldier with the Ohio National Guard. Harlan was soon activated and promoted to 2^nd Lieutenant with the National Guard United States and deployed to Korea. He was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” device for Valor during combat. Upon returning from Korea he was commissioned in the US Army Reserve at Camp (Fort) Polk. He also served as a military advisor during the Vietnam War where he was awarded an additional Bronze Star, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star Device and the Combat Infantry Badge. Following a stellar military career which included 2 tours in Korea, 1 tour in Vietnam, 2 tours in Germany and multiple assignments in Oklahoma, Texas and California; Harlan retired from the US Army in 1980 at Fort Lewis where he received the Legion of Merit to add to his many other significant medals and ribbons. For the past 38 years Harlan made his home in Gig Harbor, WA. He was a proud member of the Gig Harbor Sportsman’s Club and the Gig Harbor Yacht Club. Harlan is survived by his wife, Annie Schmidt, 5 children; Harlan, Hollace, Kimberle, Brian and Deedee (Deceased), 2 Step Children; John Claude Schmidt and Mark Funkhouser, 7 grandchildren; Amanda Maynard, Kimberle and Danielle McDermott, Blake and Hayley Schmidt, Michael Louderback, and Richard (deceased), and 5 great grandchildren; Olivia, Michael, Jane and Ada Maynard and Thomas Festa.

He will be truly missed and remembered as a bright shining light with a twinkle in his eyes and a contagious smile that touched all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers: Please make a donation to the Tacoma Humane Society in Harlan’s name.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Harlan Richard Schmidt, please visit our floral store.