The Rev. Dr. Vernon Lee Schmid passed away January 31, 2023 at his home in North East, Maryland.

He was born July 31, 1934, in Parsons, Kansas, to Sarah E. (Amrine) Schmid and Frederick L. Schmid.

Dr. Schmid received his education at the Graduate Theological Foundation (D.Min.), Saint Paul School of Theology (M.Div.), Blackstone School of Law (J.D.), and Labette Community College (A.A.).  He also studied at  University of Colorado, Pittsburg State University, Mansfield College -Oxford University and the Jesuit Center for Spiritual Growth.

He was a construction foreman, wrangler and trail guide, rough stock rodeo competitor, rock-a-billy singer and bandleader, community theater director, horse trainer and riding instructor, newspaper reporter and editor, radio newscaster and disc jockey before entering the United Methodist ministry in 1972.

After a career in broadcasting and journalism, he was ordained a United Methodist minister in the Kansas East Conference  serving rural, urban and suburban churches in Missouri, Kansas, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, as well as a campus minister at the University of Delaware and Penn Valley Community College, Kansas City MO.

Active in interfaith ministries and social justice organizations, he traveled widely on fact-finding missions in Mexico, Northern Ireland, Israel, and the occupied Palestinian Territory.

A prize-winning poet and newspaper editor, he was a journalist, essayist, playwright and novelist. He is the  author of more than thirty novels, plays, and poetry collections. Nearly a thousand of his poems, articles, book reviews, magazine and newspaper columns appeared internationally in dozens of publications. He was a member of the Western Writers of America and Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers.

A popular speaker and teacher at numerous colleges, universities, and public venues across the U.S.

He is survived by his spouse of 54 years, Susan Owens Schmid; two daughters Susanna Schmid of Elkton MD and Mary Schmid, Philadelphia PA; a sister, Barbara Schmid, Parsons KS; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Rev. Schmid donated his body to the Maryland State Anatomy Board, so a celebration of life will be held at a later date in Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rev. Dr. Vernon L. Schmid Memorial Scholarship Fund. Donations should be sent to Commercial Bank, P. O. Box 648, Parsons KS 67357 to the attention of Michelle Wolgamott.

You can leave online condolences at: https://everloved.com/life-of/vernon-schmid/memories