Thomas Richard Schmidt

Thomas Richard Schmidt, 76, of Oak Harbor, OH, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025, at Riverview Healthcare Campus in Oak Harbor.

He was born on March 31, 1949, in Toledo, OH, to James and Phyllis (Hill) Schmidt. Thomas graduated from Oak Harbor High School in 1967 and attended Penta Vocational School, where he studied carpentry.

In 1967, Thomas enlisted in the Ohio Air National Guard Reserves, serving with the 180th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron as an Aircraft Fuels System Mechanic. He proudly served six years before his honorable discharge in 1973.

That same year, Thomas began his respected railroad career with the New York Central Railroad on May 31, 1967. His dedication to railroading spanned 42 years, culminating in his retirement from Norfolk Southern Railroad on his 60th birthday in 2009.

Thomas cherished fun, family and many friends. He referred to himself as Mr. Vacation-Man and lived out a life of leisure. Each chapter of his life was marked by new toys to share with others- a go-kart for the kids, a camper for horse shows, a customized 1970s van, a 1975 Harley Davidson, 1981 Chevrolet Corvette, several boats, a jet ski he sunk on a return trip from Put-In-Bay, and his cherished old golf cart affectionately named “Peppy Jeep.” Tom enjoyed summer trips to Sugar Island, Michigan as a boy and later with his children and grandchildren.

In his retirement, Tom lived out his dream of living on his boat, “One More We All Go”, a favorite saying he often told in attempt to make sure the party never ended. During his years at Anchors Away Marina, he suitably appointed himself “dock master” and lifetime member of the Dock Trash Yacht Club. In the winter months, Tom traveled with dear friends to stay at various Florida destinations and eventually purchased a trailer in San Benito, Texas. His family and friends will treasure the gifts he returned home with each spring- a Mexican embroidered lamp, LED toilet bowl lights, or a solar-powered hula girl. Forever young at heart, Thomas sought fun wherever he went and truly lived life to the fullest.

He is survived by his children, Stacy (Mike Ellinger) Schmidt and Scott (Erin) Schmidt; grandchildren, Caden (Peyton Walters) Vazquez, Joshua Hernandez, Nora Schmidt, Laney Schmidt, and Trey Schmidt; siblings, Jay and Lyn Schmidt; and former first wife, Linda Schmidt (Dave Turnage). He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Kathleen, Mike, and Tod; former second wife, Jan Schmidt; and his faithful companion, a beloved Yorkie, Teddy.

Visitation will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, 165 E. Water St., Oak Harbor, OH, with a funeral service to follow at 3:00 p.m. Interment will take place at a later date in Elliston Cemetery, Benton Township, OH.

The family welcomes all to celebrate Tom’s life immediately following the service at his favorite stop, Blackberry Corners Tavern for “one more.”

Memorial contributions in Thomas’s memory may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.