Thomas Earl Schmidt, better known as Tom to his family and friends, passed away peacefully after a very short battle with lung cancer on July 11, 2025, just five days before his 70th birthday. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

Born on July 16, 1955, to Verna Schmidt and Paul Schmidt, Tom was the youngest of three brothers. He spent 38 years working at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory/Boeing in Canoga Park, CA. In those 38 years, Tom worked on projects such as liquid propellant rocket engines for space craft, liquid sodium cooled nuclear reactors, and the subsequent clean-up of those efforts.

Tom was an active member of the community and a longtime member of the Santa Clarita Elks Lodge, joining in 1998. Over the years, he served in several leadership roles, including Exalted Ruler, chairman of Flag Day, chairman of new member interviews, and was honored as Elk of the Year and Tall Elk twice for his contributions. Tom loved his community and worked tirelessly to support those in it, especially school children and veterans. Tom volunteered on numerous projects through the Santa Clarita Elks Lodge to bring dictionaries to Santa Clarita elementary schools and provide needed funds to veterans and their families, as well as driving for meals on wheels.

Family was the center of Tom’s life. Tom married the love of his life, Donna Schmidt (née Sandeen) on November 6, 1976. Tom was a devoted husband and father, who took great pride in his family and their accomplishments. He leaves behind his cherished loved ones; his wife of 48 years, Donna; his two children, Erin and Peter; their spouses, Elliott and Elizabeth; and his granddaughter, Poppy, whom he adored. He was deeply loved, and he will be missed by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Santa Clarita Elks Lodge. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s honor to the Santa Clarita Elks Lodge. Please call 661-252-8424 if you plan on attending.