Ernest H. Schmidt, 74, of Kettle Falls, WA, passed away on July 14, 2023 at his home.
Ernest was born on August 31, 1948 in Murphysboro, IL, the son of Henry C. and Mary G. (Spencer) Schmidt.
He graduated from Du Quoin High School and at that time, he joined the United States Air Force.  Ernest was in the Air Force for thirty-eight years.  He worked for ten years at the Pentagon and twenty-six years at the Fire Department.  He was a member of the American Legion and a supporter of Bald Knob Cross.
In 1973, he married Dorothy A. Nizich.  They had three sons - William, Thomas and James and one daughter - Toni.  They divorced and Dorothy passed away on September 6, 2012.
Ernest and Sherry were married on September 24, 1988.
He is survived by his wife - Sherry, sons - William, Tom, and Jim and daughter - Toni and their families including eight grandchildren, one sister - Anna Vancil, two special God children - Amanda McCoury and Tyler McCoury, both of Washington.
He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and several aunts and uncles.
Friends may make memorials to American Legion Post 146 or American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is assisting with local arrangements.
Per his request, cremation rites were accorded.
Military honors will be conducted when his cremains are placed in the Veterans Wall at Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, WA.