Leroy Wheeler Schmidt Jr., of Suffolk, VA passed away suddenly on Monday, March 20, 2017.  He was 74 years old. Known to his family and many friends as “L.W.,” he was the son of the late Leroy Wheeler Sr. and the late Edith Elliott Schmidt. L.W. was raised in Burkeville, and has been a resident in Suffolk for the past 30 years. 

He worked for Defense General Supply and Honeywell in information technology. He retired from Western Branch Diesel as the IT computer specialist manager. He was a Vietnam War Veteran who proudly served his country in the United States Army. L.W. was a firearm enthusiast, a member of the NRA and he enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He was an active member of the Moose Club in Suffolk, Lodge 141. He also was a member of the Burkeville Baptist Church. He was involved in local politics within the Suffolk community and was a very civic minded individual. He also enjoyed going to the local public schools to speak to children about being responsible and about being good citizens.

L.W. is survived by his daughter, Sheri Sanchez and her husband, Andy of New Jersey; grandchildren, Gabriella, Julianna and Andrew of New Jersey; sister, Shirley B. Marshall of Midlothian; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Linda S. Dunning of Midlothian.

A celebration of L.W.’s will began with a visitation on Wednesday, March 29 at Puckett Funeral Home, 15 Covington Rd., Farmville, VA 23901. A prayer service commenced at noon at the funeral home, with interment following at Sunset Hill Cemetery in Burkeville, VA with full military honors. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital or Fisher House.

Puckett Funeral Home served the family.