It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Benjamin “Bennie” C. Schmidt Jr., who departed from this world on June 10, 2023, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Bennie, aged 90, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. While private family services will be held at an undisclosed time, the impact of his life will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Born on September 29, 1932, in Preston, Oklahoma, Bennie was the son of Benjamin C. Schmidt Sr. and Newell Inez (Thomas) Schmidt. He grew up in a loving family and developed a passion for sports at an early age. In his youth, he had the privilege of playing baseball alongside the legendary Mickey Mantle. As he entered adulthood, Bennie took on roles as an umpire for baseball games and a referee for college basketball, displaying his commitment to the world of sports.
Bennie found true love when he married Annitta, his devoted wife, with whom he shared 70 remarkable years of marriage. Together, they nurtured a loving family and embarked on a journey of entrepreneurship, building a business that positively impacted the lives of thousands. Bennie and Annitta were passionate about teaching others about nutrition and empowering them to grow their own successful businesses. While they traveled the world in pursuit of their mission, Bennie also found joy on the golf course, engaging in stock trading, and supporting Thunder basketball. He was a dedicated fan of the University of Oklahoma and cheered for their athletic endeavors.
Throughout his life, Bennie embraced various opportunities and experienced success in the insurance industry. The family lived in Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama before settling in Bixby, Oklahoma, in 1975. Bennie’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to his work propelled him to new heights, leaving a lasting legacy in his field.
Bennie will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Annitta, and their three children: Leta Conley and her husband, James; David Schmidt and his wife, Kelly; and his youngest son, Tim Schmidt. He also leaves behind a cherished legacy through his grandchildren: Jason Conley and his wife, Jaime; Kyla Caraway and her husband, Paul; Joseph Conley and his wife, Kelsea; Kara Sparks and her husband, Chris; Tasha Gawatz; Zach Gawatz and his wife, Hailey; and Phoenyx Anderson. His great-grandchildren, Grady, Braeden, Hollis, Madalyn, Lauren, Gunner, Cotton, Bridger, Colton, Cayden, Kimber, Noah, Hailey, and Maddie, brought immense joy to his life. Additionally, Bennie is survived by his dear sister, Sonja Harvey, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews who hold treasured memories of their time together.
Bennie was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin C. Schmidt Sr. and Newell Schmidt, his brothers Joe Dee Schmidt and Thomas Schmidt, and his daughter-in-law, Tina Schmidt. While we mourn the loss of this remarkable individual, we take solace in the legacy of love and impact he leaves behind.
May Bennie C. Schmidt Jr. rest in eternal peace, his memory forever etched in the hearts of those he touched.