Wallace A. Schmidt, 87, of 102 Dieker Place in St. Marys, OH died 10:10 a.m. Thursday June 17, 2010 at his residence, following an extended illness.

He was born May 13, 1923 in New Bremen, OH to Albert and Pauline (Nieter) Schmidt.

On November 22, 1947, he married Mary Louise Wehner, who died August 16, 1978.

On November 9, 1979, he then married Janet E. Walker, who survives.

He is also survived by:

• daughter, Sherry Lykins of St. Marys, OH
• son, Nick (Elaine) Schmidt of St. Marys, OH
• daughter, Angie (John ) Hay of Sidney, OH
• daughter, Susan (Rich) Spencer of St. Marys, OH
• daughter, Theresa (Steven) Ogier of Sanford, FL
• son, DeWayne Walker of St. Marys, OH
• 14 grandchildren: Joelle Lykins-May, Corey Lykins, Jon Schmidt, Wendy Schmidt, Justin Hay, Katie Hay, Alex Spencer, Abbie Spencer, Scott Spencer, Ashley Walker, Collin Walker, Madison Walker, Devin Marie Ogier, Joya Ogier
• 6 great-grandchildren
• Parents-in-law Richard (Marian) Crouse of St. Marys, OH

He was preceded in death by: his parents, his first wife; brother, Robert Schmidt; sister, Anita Rasneor

He was a veteran of the United States Army, having served as a sergeant in the 905^th Veterinary Detachment in the Asiatic -Pacific Theatre during World War II.

A staple in the St. Marys business community, he owned and operated Wally Schmidt Car Sales on East Spring Street in St. Marys for more than 64 years. He built his reputation by helping the common, working-class auto buyers, most often handling the financing for those unable to obtain credit through traditional bank loans. So dedicated was Wally to his clientele that he recently even signed titles to complete deals while hospitalized. His business motto was “ We’re not the best because we’re the oldest -- We’re the oldest because we’re the best!”

He was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, life member of American Legion Post # 323, life member of VFW Post # 9289 and Eagles Lodge Aerie # 767, all in St. Marys.

His work was also his passion, as he was a collector of fine automobiles including numerous convertibles. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, Cincinnati Reds baseball and playing a friendly game of cards with his buddies.

Services for Mr. Schmidt will be conducted 2:00 p.m. Tuesday June 22, 2010 at Miller - Long & Folk Funeral Home 314 W. High Street in St. Marys, with the Rev. Dr. Ed Bray, officiating. Burial, with graveside military rites, will follow at Elm Grove Cemtery, in St. Marys.

Visitation for family and friends will be held 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 p.m. Monday and one hour prior to services on Tuesday at the funeral home on High Street.

Memorial contributions may be directed to: Grand Lake Hospice program.