Wesley Gene Schmidt was born on February 26, 1933, in Bessie, Oklahoma to Barney Becker and Adina Matilda (Reimer) Schmidt. He passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026, in Weatherford, Oklahoma at the age of 92.

Wes was raised in the Corn, Cowden, Bessie area in Oklahoma and also a brief time in Reedley, California. He graduated from Corn Bible Academy in 1951. He joined the Army in 1953 and served as a medic until 1955 during the Korean Conflict. Wes married Frances Penner on December 20, 1954, at Broadway Heights Mennonite Brethren Church, the first wedding performed in the newly established church. The couple made their home in Weatherford and welcomed four children Richard, Bobby, Troy and Cindy.

Wes's father-in-law, Harvey Penner, taught him the skill of laying brick and Wes continued in the trade for over 50 years. After several years of working with Harvey, he struck out on his own establishing Wes Schmidt Masonry Construction. He was well known for quality work and as a result was in high demand. Early in his career, after full days of laying brick he built homes for the family to live in, often working late into the night. They lived in over 20 homes in Weatherford in 25 years, some built by Wes and some as rentals while waiting on completion of a home under construction. Wes had a passion for flying and received his private pilot's license in 1965 while a member of a local flying club. He later solely owned a Piper J3 Cub. He loved camping and traveling with Frances in their fifth wheel to California to spend time with his siblings. He also spent time riding motorcycles and driving his Model A Classic car.

Wes had a devoted relationship and was a faithful follower of Jesus and was most recently a member of First Baptist Church. He was a charter member of Pine Acres Church, formerly known as Broadway Heights Mennonite Brethren Church, where he served in numerous positions of leadership. Wes loved singing in a mixed quartet with Frances and their best friends, Vester and Vivian Kliewer. When the church was built at its current location and renamed, Wes designed the blueprint and helped with construction along with many other volunteers. He also volunteered with The Gideons International for a number of years.

Wes was preceded in death by his parents; son, Troy Schmidt; daughter-in-law, Vonnie Schmidt; brothers, Barney, Jr. and Eldon Schmidt; and sister, Frances Hofer. He is survived by his wife, Frances of the home; son, Rick Schmidt of Weatherford; son, Bobby Schmidt and wife Terri of Weatherford; daughter-in-law Amy Schmidt of Erie, Pennsylvania; daughter, Cindy West and husband, Darrell of Sand Springs, Oklahoma; brother; Marvin Schmidt and wife, Judy of Nampa, Idaho; brother, Don Schmidt and wife Marge of Morro Bay, California; sister, Jan Kliewer of Clovis, California; brother, Bob Schmidt of Denver, Colorado; and sister, Carol Isaac and husband Leon of Clovis, California. Wes is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Wes will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Pine Acres Church with Tony Cannon and Dennis King officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Services are under the direction of Lockstone Funeral Home.