J. David Schmidt Sr., 80, formerly of Western Pennsylvania, went to be with his Lord Thursday at his home in Wheaton, Ill.

Born Sept. 21, 1926, in McKeesport, he was the son of John and Marybelle Schmidt.

He was a Christian and a Missionary Alliance pastor and served for more than 38 years. He began his ministry at the Ottawa Gospel Tabernacle in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He pastored Pennsylvania churches in Gipsy, Williamsburg, Morrel, Coalport, Butler and Punxsutawney.

After retirement, his ministry continued at the Living Bibles International, World Evangelical Fellowship and he was the pastor on staff at Hultgren Funeral Home, Wheaton.

He regularly attended the Wheaton Evangelical Free Church.

He enjoyed church hymns, playing the trombone and the wonder of God's creation. He was known as a preacher who focused on the character of God, and his faithfulness to keep his promises.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marjorie W. Mackay Schmidt; three children, Mary Esther (Jim) Bolton of Latrobe, J. David Jr. (Melinda) of Wheaton and Miriam (Mark) Volle of Fullerton, Calif.; six grandchildren, Jeannie, Jill, Jamie, Jesse, Kelly and Kevin; and seven great-grandchildren, Chelsea, Anthony, Elianna, Madison, Veronica, Sophia and Kyla.

Also surviving are a brother, Bill Schmidt; two sisters, Mary Jane (Jim) Tauber and Gloria (Stan) Doran; various foster siblings raised by his mother; his aunts, Virginia Maurer of Florida and Anna Schmidt of West Virginia, and various cousins.

<B>SCHMIDT</B> — Services were held Sunday at the <B>Hultgren Funeral Home</B>, Wheaton, and an interment service was held today at Grandview Cemetery, North Versailles Township, Allegheny County.In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Rev. J. David Schmidt Scholarship Fund, Alliance Theological Seminary, 350 N. Highland Ave, Nyack, NY 10960.Information and an online guest book are available at Hultgrenfh.com.