Michael and Barbara Jean Schmidt

Michael Schmidt, 71, and Barbara Jean Schmidt, 63, of Preston, Kansas, passed away together on October 23, 2026, in Montgomery County, Kansas.

Mike was born August 15, 1955, in Kingman, Kansas, to Wiley D. and Mary Jane (Field) Schmidt. A lifelong resident of Preston, he retired from Cairo Co-op and Propane Central, where he worked as a route driver.

Barbara was born November 21, 1962, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Harvey Nichols and Helen Jean Harrison. A longtime resident of Preston, she dedicated her career to caring for others as a registered nurse at Pratt Regional Medical Center.

Mike and Barbara shared a deep love for their family, friends, and community. Both devoted much of their lives to serving others through numerous organizations and volunteer efforts.

Mike served as president of the Cushman Club of Kansas and the Pratt Senior Citizens Center. He was a member of American Legion Post #86, the American Legion Riders, Sons of the American Legion, Cushman Club of America and served as assistant chairman of Toys for Tots. He was also the retired Fire Chief of Preston and served with Stafford and Pratt Counties EMS.

Barbara was active in the American Legion Riders and Auxiliary, the Elks Lodge, the Cushman Club of Kansas, and the Cushman Club of America. She was also a former Girl Scout leader, EMT, and volunteer firefighter, as well as a member of the Nurses Honor Guard.

Together, Mike and Barbara built a life centered around family, friendship, and service. Their generosity, compassion, and willingness to lend a helping hand touched countless lives. They will be remembered not only for their many contributions but also for the love and kindness they shared with those around them.

They are survived by their children, William D. Schmidt (Cindi), Jonathon Schmidt (Tracy), Jennifer Hall (Tyron), and Mandi Schmidt (Gabe Nall); Mike's sisters, Cindy Ward, Cheryl Phye, and Kathy Schmidt; Barbara's mother, Helen; her brother, Thomas Nichols; and her sisters, Brenda Kramer and Janet Lee. They also leave behind numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mike and Barbara were preceded in death by Barbara’s sister Becky Janell Nichols, and great grandchild Amiyra Voss.

A celebration of Mike and Barbara's lives will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Livingston Funeral Home in Kingman, Kansas. Friends and family may gather beginning at noon until the time of the service. Family burial services will be held at a later date.

Michael and Barbara leave behind a lasting legacy of love, friendship, and service. Though they will be deeply missed, their memory will live on through their family, friends, and the communities they so faithfully served.

Memorials may be made out to the American Legion, Toys for Tots and the Pratt Sr. Citizens and may be mailed to the Livingston Funeral Home, 1830 N. Main, Kingman KS 67068.