Mr. Thomas Franklin "Paw" Schmidt, 81, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2026. Born on August 4, 1944, in Pocahontas, Arkansas, Tom lived a life marked by dedication to his family, faith, and a remarkable career in aviation.

Tom graduated from St. Paul's Catholic High School in Pocahontas, Arkansas, before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1963. During his four years of service, he was stationed in Germany, where he maintained F-105 Thunderchief strike aircraft. His time in the Air Force ignited a lifelong passion for aviation. After completing his service in 1967, Tom pursued further education at the Spartan School of Aeronautics, which laid the foundation for an extraordinary career.

Tom’s professional journey included working at North American Rockwell in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Lockheed Martin in Marietta, Georgia. At Lockheed Martin, he played a vital role in maintaining C-5 Galaxy strategic heavy transport aircraft. A master of his craft, Tom earned his AP/IA aircraft mechanics license and achieved an Instrument Rating (IR) added to his Private Pilot License (PPL), enabling him to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). His dedication to excellence was recognized in 2017 when he received the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award from the Federal Aviation Administration for over 50 years as an aircraft mechanic with no violations.

In addition to his mechanical expertise, Tom was a skilled pilot with over 3,000 hours of flight time. He often ferried planes back to Arkansas from across the southeastern United States for repairs—a testament to his commitment to ensuring the safety and functionality of the aircraft he worked on.

Tom’s life was deeply enriched by his family and faith. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Joyce; two daughters, Tracy Barker and Stacy Rakestraw (Kyle); grandchildren, Jake Rakestraw, Faith Rakestraw Grill (Blake), and Savanna Joy Rakestraw, Brittany White, Sophie Bea Bonds and one great-grandson, Thomas Warren Grill. He is also survived by his sister, Frances Jean Fornarotto. Tom was predeceased by his parents, Jake and Helen Schmidt; his brother Bill Schmidt; and sisters Barbara Weaver, Millie Gain, and Mary Lou Davidson.

Tom’s love for his family was evident in every aspect of his life. He cherished time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandson and found immense joy in their accomplishments and milestones. His faith was central to his life; raised in the Catholic Church, Tom found true hope and assurance in Jesus Christ for his salvation.

Known for his ever-present smile and warm sense of humor, Tom brought light to every social gathering he attended. His ability to connect with others through kindness and laughter left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Mr. Thomas Franklin Schmidt will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, accomplished aviator, and faithful servant of God. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.

A Visitation will be held on April 17, 2026, from 09:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church (1107 E Highland Drive with Father Cody Eveld officiating). A funeral service and mass will follow. A brief lunch will be served at the church hall and grave side will follow at St. John's Cemetery in Engleberg, AR at 2:00 pm.

Pallbearers will be Jake Rakestraw, Kyle Rakestraw, Blake Grill, Steve Pasierb, Allen Ungerank, Wayne Ungerank.

Lasting memorials can be left to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.