died on Monday April 24, 2017 at the Bethlen Home, Ligonier. Don was born February 17, 1932 in Uniontown, PA to Anna and Adhemar Schmidt. Growing up on a farm in Fairchance, he dug his own coal and cured his own meats. He graduated from Uniontown High School 1950, enlisted in the Army 1952-1955, fought in the front lines of the Korean War, and was honorably discharged as Sergeant, serving as a chef and with the military police. He lived in Johnstown and worked for AJ Confer and Co as a plasterer, and then worked for PA Dept. of General Services for over 30 years. He constructed, bricked and plastered his own home in Ligonier. Don's passion was for fishing the Aughwick and Juniata rivers, hunting and camping. He was a good friend and neighbor, plowing driveways, and doing home repairs. A fine knife maker, he also tooled his own leather goods. Don is survived by his wife of 56 years Shirley Schmidt of Ligonier and his son Steve (Elizabeth) Schmidt of Edgewater, MD and daughter Lori (David) Nicklas of Allison Park, PA and grandchildren Max Schmidt, Logan and Hayley Nicklas. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday April 30, 2017 in the St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church, 300 W. Main St., Ligonier with the Rev. Paul D. Poerschke officiating. Private inurnment will be in Grandview Cemetery, Johnstown. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the American Diabetes Association in Don's name. Arrangements are by SNYDER FUNERAL HOME INC., Ligonier.