QUINCY — Father Anthony Schmidt died in his home on June 27. He was 92 years old and had been the oldest diocesan priest in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.

He was born June 5, 1924 to Anthony P. and Frances E. (Bellm) Schmidt in Carlinville. He grew up in a large Catholic family and especially looked up to his mother, who was very instrumental in his life, as were his siblings.

Father Schmidt was ordained to the diocesan priesthood on May 27, 1950 by Bishop William A. O’Connor at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. His slightly younger brother, Father Carl Schmidt, was ordained with him that day.

Following his ordination Father Schmidt was named assistant at St. Mary Parish in Alton from 1950 to 1954; at Ss. Peter and Paul in Springfield from 1954 to 1958; and St. John the Baptist in Quincy from 1958 to 1962. He was pastor at St. Patrick in Grafton and St. Michael in Beltrees from 1962 to 1969. His last assignment was pastor at St. Lawrence Parish in Greenville, a parish he called home from 1969 to 1994.

Father Schmidt loved the priesthood and all of the parishes he served. He retired from full-time ministry in 1994 at age 70. From the time he retired until 2009, Father Schmidt lived in Springfield, residing for many years at Lincoln Towers, near downtown Springfield. In the see city he often celebrated Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and at Blessed Sacrament Church and filled in at various parishes and at St. Joseph’s Home. His final home was in Quincy, where he moved to reside near his youngest sister.

When he lived in Springfield he enjoyed taking walks around the historic neighborhoods. He also loved to travel the world and to fly an airplane when he had the opportunity.

Being an uncle to his sibling’s many children, Father Schmidt baptized many nieces and nephews and celebrated family wedding Masses as well. He had a special devotion to the Divine Mercy.

Father Schmidt was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Laurence Schmidt; brothers-in-law Bill Pankratz and John T. Drew; and sisters-in-law Thelma Schmidt and Mary Schmidt.

He is survived by his siblings, Robert (Barbara) Schmidt of Citrus Springs, Fla., Father Carl Schmidt of Effingham, Rosemary Pankratz of Lucedale, Miss., Joseph Schmidt of Quincy, and Virginia Drew of Quincy; sister-in-law Josie Schmidt of Collinsville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Father Schmidt donated his body to medical research. A memorial Mass concelebrated by Bishop Thomas John Paprocki and concelebrating priests was to be held Saturday, July 9 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield.

Masses may be given in his memory or memorials may be made to the Commission for the Care of Infirm and Retired Priests, Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, 1615 W. Washington St., Springfield, IL 62702.

Duker & Haugh Funeral Home in Quincy was in charge of arrangements.