In memoriam: Missionary emeritus Sidney Philip Schmidt, 1928-2024

Portrait of Sidney Schmidt. IMB Photo

Sidney Philip Schmidt, an International Mission Board missionary emeritus who shared the gospel in Malaysia, died Oct. 16, 2024, in Abilene, Texas. He was 96.  

Sidney was born Jan. 10, 1928, in Anamoose, North Dakota, to the late Philip E. Schmidt and Anna Schmidt. He graduated from West Central School of Agriculture in Morris, Minnesota, and received the Bachelor of Arts from Northwestern College (now University of Northwestern – St. Paul), Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the Master of Religious Education and the Doctor of Philosophy from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas. 

Sidney came to faith in Christ when he was 13 years old. A few years later while attending a church camp, he felt the call of God to missions. After quitting school to work on his family’s farm for one year, he received permission from his father to attend an agricultural high school 80 miles from home. During this period, Sidney stopped attending church entirely and determined to become the best farmer ever. He graduated at 18 and began farming that summer. During his first harvest, the entire crop was hailed out and Sidney remembered God’s call to serve Him.  

In 1946, he enrolled in the U.S. Army and served in Tokyo before returning to the U.S. and entering college. He met Darleen Wilson, and they married on Aug. 16, 1950. After graduating from college, Sidney was ordained to ministry. At first wary of Southern Baptists, he was drawn to the denomination through the influence of his brother. In 1955, after joining a Southern Baptist church he decided to attend seminary for further training for foreign mission service.  

In 1961, the International Mission Board appointed Sidney and Darleen missionaries to Malaysia, where he served as a seminary professor and in pastoring and leadership training. 

He is survived by Darleen, his wife of 74 years; and three children, DiAnn Whigham (Chris), Midland, Texas; Timothy Schmidt (Kristi), Abilene, Texas; and Todd (Gwen) Schmidt; and 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. 

A memorial service was held Nov. 14 at Wylie Baptist Church in Abilene.  

Donations in his memory may be made to the Lottie Moon Offering, IMB, 3806 Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA, 23230, or online at Generosity Resource Center – IMB Generosity. 

Read an obituary here.