Dr. Schmidt

Dr. Edwin H. Schmidt M.D. of South St. Louis County passed away with his family at his bedside on June 4, 2010 after a long battle with cancer. He was 86. Born July 2, 1923 , he graduated from Cleveland High School in 1942 and joined the Army Enlisted Reserve Corps. He was called to active duty in March, 1943 after which he passed the test for the Army Specialized Training Program. He was accepted into St. Louis University where he completed his pre-professional studies and entered the SLU School of Medicine. Following his graduation in 1949 he completed a year of Internship at Deaconess Hospital , and a three year Psychiatry Residency at Malcolm Bliss Psychopathic Institute. During this time he was in charge of the entire hospital of 100 patients, and completed a study with Dr. Eli Robins at Washington University regarding attempted suicide. Immediately following his residency he returned to active duty in the Army and Air Force until his honorable discharge after the Korean War. Edwin then joined the staff of Deaconess Hospital and became the director at Glenwood Psychiatric Hospital . Under his leadership, Glenwood became the first facility in St. Louis County to integrate black and white psychiatric patients. Dr. Schmidt remained in private practice in South St. Louis, and South County until his retirement in 1985 and served on the medical staffs of Deaconess, Lutheran, St. Louis University , St. Louis City , St. Louis County, St. Mary's, Missouri Baptist, St. Joseph -Kirkwood, and St. Anthony's Hospitals. He was Chief of Psychiatry, President of the Medical Staff, and a member of the Board of Directors at both Deaconess and Lutheran Hospitals . Faculty appointments included St. Louis University , Washington University, and Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing. Dr. Schmidt was baptized into the Evangelical and Reformed Church in 1943 and remained a member of the United Church of Christ for 67 years. He was a member of the Board of Directors at Eden Seminary for 15 years and served two terms as its Chairman - one of only two laymen to serve in that capacity in 150 years. As a member of the Theological Commission of the United Church of Christ he was instrumental in crafting the UCC "Statement of Faith." His hobbies included travel, fishing, and others too numerous to list. He loved life and lived it to its fullest. His family and friends will miss his laughter, love and undaunting spirit. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Elizabeth, his four sons Edwin III "Scott" M.D. (Mary), Stephen M.D.(Teresa), James (Karen), and Martin M.D.(Margaret), 12 grandchildren Edwin IV, Matthias, Paul M.D.(Colleen), Sarah, Irene (Ryan), Theodore (M.D Class of 2011) , Andrew, Elisabeth, Christine, Timothy (M.D. Class of 2014), Patrick, and Nicholas, and 2 great-grandchildren Rachael, and Rayna. Dearest Brother-in-law, Uncle, Great-Uncle, Cousin, Friend and Beloved Physician. Donations may be made to Emmaus Homes or Every Child's Hope (Evangelical Children's Home). Services: Visitation Sunday 3-9 pm at JOHN L. ZIEGENHEIN & SONS (South County) 4830 Lemay Ferry Rd. then on Monday from 10:00 am until the time of the service 11:00 am at St. Lucas U.C.C.11735 Denny Rd. (63126). Interment Sunset Memorial Park . June 06, 2010
3:00 PM to 9:00 PM

JOHN L. ZIEGENHEIN & SONS
4830 Lemay Ferry Road
Saint Louis, MO 63129

June 07, 2010
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

St. Lucas U.C.C.
11735 Denny Rd.
Saint Louis, MO 63126

June 07, 2010
11:00 AM

St. Lucas U.C.C.
11735 Denny Rd.
Saint Louis, MO 63126