William E. "Bud" Schmidt, 95, of Xenia, passed away peacefully August 20, 2012, at Greene Oaks Rehabilitation Center in Xenia. He had been living at Greene Oaks for the last few years of his life where he received outstanding care. The family is grateful to the dedicated staff for all of their efforts to make him comfortable during his last illness. He was born September 11, 1916, the son of Ernest Henry Schmidt and Edith Harner Schmidt. William was the great-grandson of Henry Edward Schmidt, Sr., who founded Schmidt Fancy Groceries in 1856, a family business that served the people of Xenia for 75 years. When William was young, he worked in the family store on Detroit Street after school and during the summer. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Anna Virginia Honaker Schmidt in 2003, whom he married July 29, 1943 at the First Reformed Church in Xenia; his eldest son, Dr. William Henry Schmidt in 1993; his brother and sister-in law, Henry Edward Schmidt and Marjorie Kiser Schmidt; niece Shirley Schmidt Tinsley; and great-niece Anne Tinsley Mark. Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, James Walter Schmidt and Suzanne McPeak Schmidt of Xenia; three granddaughters, Katherine Anna Schmidt of Xenia; Aimee Schmidt Khan of Carlsbad, California; and Lori Melissa Schmidt Davis of Dallas, Texas; five great-grandchildren, Zakkary Logan Sharp, Javed Khan, Maliah Khan, Mikhail Khan, and Luke Davis; nieces and nephews, Ernest Schmidt and his wife Laurie Schmidt of Lawton, Oklahoma; Francis Tinsley, Jr. and his wife Caroline Tinsley of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania; Sharon Honaker Rab and husband Laurence Rab of Oakwood, Ohio; Anne Honaker Bolen and husband, Dr. George Bolen of Potomac, Maryland; Deanna Kocher Schmidt Raizk of Maineville, Ohio, the mother of Aimee and Lisse Schmidt; and a number of extended family members. William graduated from Xenia Central High School in 1934 and attended The Ohio State University. In 1935 at the age of 19, he began his lifetime passion for aviation by obtaining his private pilot's license, which he kept active until he was in his 80's. He flew solo to Key West, Florida shortly after receiving his license, and eventually entered into contracts to fly cargo for commercial companies in the late1930's. As World War II approached, he became an accelerated test pilot and aircraft mechanic at Wright Field after enlisting in the United States Army Air Force. He worked on the development of the B-17 Flying Fortress bomber, as well as other military aircraft, and was acquainted with a number of well-known pilots and other notable figures of the early aviation era. After the Second World War, William worked at Wright Field, which later became Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, as a civilian supervisor on the flight line. Following the death of his father in 1957, he assumed management of the Schmidt Realty Company in Xenia. Later, the business expanded to include the selling of insurance and he and his wife Virginia became licensed agents. He served as a member of the Xenia Beautification and Environmental Committee, and was active in community activities during his real estate and insurance career. William was also a lifetime member of the Greene County Fish and Game Association and the United States Air Force Association. His other memberships included American Legion Post # 95, Greene County Republican Club, Golden Age Senior Citizens Center, and the First Reformed Church in Xenia, now known as the Cornerstone Bible Church, where he was a lifetime member. William was devoted to his cherished wife Virginia, their two sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren, as well as his extended family. He was proud of his community and his country, and had many friends in all walks of life. William "Bud" Schmidt loved flying airplanes and sharing his adventures and enthusiasm with others. He often remarked that he felt blessed for the many opportunities God had given him during his long and memorable life. Bud leaves behind family and friends who will miss him dearly. Services will be held on Monday, August 27, 2012, at 11:00 AM, Neeld Funeral Home, 1276 North Detroit Street, Xenia.Pastor R. James Creamer and Pastor James Kirchoff will officiate. Visitation will take place at 9 AM Monday until the time of the service at the funeral home. The family suggests that contributions may be made to the Jackson Aviation Scholarship Committee, c/o the Greene County Community Foundation, 25 Greene Street, Xenia, Ohio, 45385-3101.Condolences may be made to the family at www.NeeldFuneralHome.com.