Eugene Earl (Gene) Schmidt, 88, of Rocky Ford, CO, passed away Wednesday, November 20th, at Pioneer Health Care Center.

Eugene was born in Hillsboro, KS on August 14, 1931, a son of the late Anna (Flaming) and Menno F. Schmidt.

He was the husband of Gail Christine (Pruitt) Schmidt.

Gene sang with a barber ship chorus and quartet for over 40 years both in California and Colorado. He loved gardening, yard work, wood working and making things. He enjoyed watching the Homicide Hunter with Joe Klenda, Dr. Phil, 60 minutes, Blue Bloods, anything about WWII and any movies with Clint Eastwood & Kevin Costner. He loved ice cream, any kind of pie and strawberry shortcake.

Gene worked as a maintenance supervisor for a property management company in California and worked as the host at the La Junta Village Inn before retiring at the age of 80.

He is survived by his wife Gail of the home; 6 children: Christine, Vincent, Alan, Kim and Karen all of California and Gary of Alaska; stepson: Adrian of Arkansas; sister: Verna of California; many grandchildren and great - grandchildren.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents,and 2 sister's.

Per his request there will be no services. Inurnment will be private at a later time.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford - Ustick Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.