Ron was born to Keith and Ernestine (Bell) Schmidt in Chicago, Illinois on June 12, 1951 where he lived until the age of 7. The family moved to Florida and finally setteled in Waco, Texas when he was 12 years old. Ron went on to play football for Baylor University before joining the United States Marine Corps. In 1981 he was asked to move to Bryan to start Texas Commercial Waste where he has represented them as their General Manager for the past 44 years. Ron loved giving back to his community, not only through gifts, but in volunteering hundreds of hours to the Brazos Valley. His community involvement began with the local Jaycee’s in 1981 but didn’t stop there. Over the years Ron devoted his time, not only through Boys & Girls Club of the Brazos Valley and the national organization, he also gave time to Keep Brazos Beautiful and Keep Texas Beautiful, Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History, Blinn Foundation, Junction 505, Chamber of Commerce, and Bryan Rotary Club; also numerous other boards for Bryan-College Station and Brazos County. He was most proud of his work through the Boys & Girls Club over the years.

Ron loved hunting, fishing, golfing, and his many house plants. Reading a good book, eating a good meal, and enjoying a fine cigar were among his favorite things to do.  He was very dedicated to his wife, Vickie, who participated and supported him in everything he was involved in and felt very fortunate to have found his partner and soul mate. He was a loving husband, father, uncle, friend, community advocate, and he will truly be missed by all who knew him.

 
He was proceeded in death by his parents, Keith and Ernestine; in laws, Robbie and Ed Black along with his sister, Patty York; two sisters in laws, Brenda Ingram, and Kay and Tooter Ledbetter; as well as a precious great niece, Madison Luhn; nieces Brenda Ledbetter and Kimberly Akers.

Ron leaves behind to cherish his memories, his loving wife of 42 years, Vickie (Black) Schmidt; a daughter, Robyn and husband Michael Kennedy, of Virginia; one brother, Dennis and his wife Joanne Schmidt, of Georgia; two grandchildren, Zoe Kennedy and Charlie Kennedy; sister in law Janet Porter, and brother in law Jerry and his wife Nora Black; nieces Laura and husband Scott Gilleland and Leslie and husband Tommy Luhn; he also leaves numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation at the Phillips Event Center from 4:00pm to 5:30pm and Celebration of Life from 5:30-7:00 pm on Friday, June 20, 2025.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to:  The Bryan Animal Shelter, Junction 505, or to the Brazos Valley Museum.