Bryan Clayton Schmidt

In Loving Memory of Bryan Clayton Schmidt

July 8, 1967 - April 17, 2025

Bryan Clayton Schmidt, beloved father, son, brother, partner, and friend, passed peacefully from this life on April 17, 2025, at the age of 57, following complications from acute heart transplant rejection. His final days were marked by the same courage and quiet strength that defined his life.

Born on July 8, 1967, in Oak Cliff (Dallas County), Texas, Bryan was a bright and curious child who loved learning from an early age. He attended Carpenter Elementary and went on to Lubbock Christian School, Coronado High School, Texas Tech University and Abilene Christian University.

In high school, Bryan's passion for knowledge and music flourished. He was an accomplished member of the Mustang Marching Band and the Symphony Orchestra, and a proud medalist on the Coronado Academic Decathlon Team-a reflection of his deep love of learning and teamwork.

After college, Bryan built a successful career in computer technology, working with numerous organizations including Electronic Data Systems, Ibertech, Inc., Greyhound, Truco Enterprises LP, Halff, City Corp, and T Systems. His skill, amiable personality and dedication also led him to assist many small businesses as a freelance computer consultant, where he was known not only for his technical expertise but for his genuine nature, a playful sense of humor and patience.

Bryan made his home in Allen, Texas with his then wife, Nicole Schmidt, where they raised their son, Caleb, divorcing amicably in 2014.

Bryan had a creative heart and loved working with his hands, dabbling in drawing, painting, sculpting, wire-wrapping, etc. He especially enjoyed playing videos games with his son Caleb (often with friends Caleb grew up with, too, who they knew from the boys' childhoods} and his long-time friend Keith, as well as. He was also a pretty darn good 42 {dominoes} competitor, who enjoyed many evenings of laughter and banter at "the cafe" with dear friends, Matt, Rashay, Rich, Michael, Bevo and many others through the years.

At age 48, Bryan's health journey became increasingly difficult due to severe heart issues, culminating in a series of heart surgeries which ultimately led to a heart transplant on March 5, 2024. Despite determination to get stronger and hope for a new career goals and exciting travel aspirations, he passed just over a year later.

Bryan is survived by his treasured son, Caleb Schmidt; his loving mother, Carol Chesshir; his "person" and devoted life partner, Evie Rossi; his younger brother, Kelly Schmidt; and his many beloved nephews and nieces, including Kelly II, Aaron (with Jami Fortson), Rebekah, Nathan, and Ben Schmidt; and his great-niece, Serena Schmidt.

He is also survived by his extended family, who brought him deep joy and belonging: his uncle and aunt, Lonnie and Andrea Woodward of Israel; cousin, Laura Williams; uncle and aunt, Randall and Brana "BJ" Porche; aunt, Gay Smith; Randy and Jill Smotts with Hannah and Morgan; Mark and Jami Zaragoza with Lily; great-aunt, Angie Sitton; cousins Lt. Col. Johnie, Jr. and Scherry Webb; John "JD" and Sandy Webb; Shalena Webb; Karen Johnson; Kevin, Mark, Neal, and Scott Johnson; Vicki and Jennifer Sitton; and Mike and Amanda Lockwood with Lacy and Mike Jr.

Bryan now rests pain-free from his broken body, along with his most recently deceased cousin Randy Wilson who he loved dearly, his father J.R. Schmidt, his paternal grandparents Jerome and Elsie Schmidt, his maternal grandparents Paula Jones, and H. Kelly & Sue Jones, as well as his paternal great grandparents Rufus and Mattie Virginia (Kelly) Jones, maternal great grandparents Andrew and Jimmie (Francis) Webb; paternal great great grandparents, John and Laura (Harrell) Kelly, and his maternal great great grandparents. Joseph and Ella (Shuford) Francis.

A Traditional Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Campbell Road Church of Christ, 2828 W. Campbell Road, Garland, TX.

A Celebration of Life will follow from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Cafe Bohemia, 2320 Los Rios Blvd., Suite 105, Plano, TX-an open "come-and-go" or "stay-for-the-whole-thing" gathering to honor Bryan's memory with music, laughter, and the stories he helped write in our hearts. As a playful gesture, we know it would bring a smile to Bryan's heart if guests wore silly hats and/or novelty slippers to the gathering.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the family's [GoFundMe page] to support them as they navigate this profound loss and the transition to new living arrangements.

Bryan will be remembered for his gentle spirit, quick wit, love of learning, and fierce devotion to those he held dear. He leaves behind a legacy of perseverance through tremendous challenges, a disarming sense of humor, and a devoted love that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.