Richard F. Schmidt Iii

Richard Schmidt III, 72, of Cape Girardeau passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Thursday, April 6, 2017.

He was born July 1, 1944, in Billings Montana, the son of Richard and Madonna Taylor Schmidt Jr. He and Nina Feuerborn were married in Effingham, Illinois, on Feb. 27, 1965. She passed away Jan. 24, 2015.

After moving to Cape Girardeau, Rich and Nina owned and operated Rich's Drive-In from 1976 to 1986, they also owned and operated Baskin-Robins "31" Flavors Ice Cream Shop from 1979 to 1997, and the Peanut Shack from 1983 and 1993.

Rich spent six years in the United States Air Force. Upon his honorable discharge in 1969, he attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale obtaining a degree in Aviation Technology. After graduation he became a FAA licensed aircraft/powerplant mechanic followed by his inspection authorization license. He worked for United Airlines at the Chicago O'Hare Airport and at Sabreliner Corporation in Perryville, Missouri, for many years as an aircraft sheet metal mechanic, quality inspector and manager of quality assurance. Rich was a private pilot and served as president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Club in the late 1980's and early 1990's.

Loving survivors include his son Richard "Rick" Schmidt IV and wife Tyra of Cape Girardeau; a daughter, Kimberly Schmidt of Cape Girardeau; two half-brothers, Lonnie Joe Ryan (Mona) of Montrose, Illinois and Philip Ryan (Linda) of Ina, Illinois;. his honorary family, Sue and Charlie Denson; special friends, Charlene Arnzen and Dan and Mary Seyer; and three grandchildren Kalei, Brayden and Madei Schmidt of Cape Girardeau.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Nina, and a step-brother Larry Ryan.

Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m., Monday, April 10, 2017, at McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau. Parish Prayers will be at 7 p.m.

A memorial Mass will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 11, 2017, at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau, with the Rev. Bobby Manso officiating. Full military honors will be conducted after the Mass.

Interment will follow in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Effingham, Illinois, at a later date.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to Southeast Hospice or Shriners Hospital for Children.