Charles Jacob Schmidt

Funeral services for Charles Jacob Schmidt, 91, of Diboll will be held Friday, October 2, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor David Goodwin officiating. Interment will be at 3:00 p.m. at New York Baptist Church Cemetery in Larue, Texas.

Mr. Schmidt was born July 21, 1935 in Jasper, Texas to the late Katherine Annabelle (Cline) and Clark Martin Schmidt, and died Friday, September 25, 2026 in a local hospice facility.

Charles was one of a kind - a humble genius whose inventions improved mill efficiency around the world. He was recognized in Plywood and Veneer-Based Products textbook as revolutionizing the wood industry.

As a child he lived in a railroad car, later quitting high school in order to work. He joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1955 and served for 2 years. Charles returned home and eventually resided in Beulah where he had a machine shop in his garage. With his brother, Jerry, he founded Demco Manufacturing Company. Among his many inventions, the Spindleless lathe and American Plywood Association Test Frame were his most notable. His test frame is used to test every piece of plywood made for homes and businesses across the United States to make sure the weight it was rated for was correct/safe.

Charles cared deeply for his Demco employees, who returned his loyalty and worked years for him. He served on the City Council, supported Diboll Day, and continued working until his health problems forced him to stop at 83. Even then, he often drafted parts and solved problems for Demco employees from home.

A gifted craftsman, Charles loved carving, painting, and making furniture, remaining active with projects until shortly before his death at 91. He was gracious, kind, witty, and a true gentleman. His humor brought smiles even during the difficult times.

Baptized as a child at the Baptist Church in Kenefick, Texas, Charles later attended the Methodist Church of Diboll. He called his wife, Carolyn, a Godsend. He adored her and he was her rock, always ready to help, shop, or do whatever brought her joy. He loved her deeply and she took excellent care of him as his health failed. To his family, Charles taught the lasting values of hard work, strength tempered by grace, and respect for others. We will honor his memory by carrying those lessons forward.

He, as were we, was very grateful for his excellent care by Dr. Roby and by Hospice in the Pines.

Survivors include his wife, Carolyn (Meador) Schmidt of Diboll; daughters and sons-in-law, Cheryl and Wes Suiter of Lufkin and Michelle and Jeff Stephens of Diboll; son, Chuck Schmidt of Lufkin; stepsons and daughters-in-law, Jeffrey and Allison Hearne of Diboll and Royce and Deborah Hearne of Burleson; 11 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, Jerry Schmidt of Canyon City, Colorado; sister-in-law, Evelyn Thomas of Tomball; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents; brothers, Jimmy Schmidt and Doyel Guillory; and sisters, Dorothy Hale and Mary Alice Craddock.

Pallbearers will be Trace Suiter, Joey Stephens, Joshua Hearne, Bo Smith, Jeff Rast, and John Tucker.

Honorary pallbearers will be the employees of Demco Manufacturing Company.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice in the Pines, 1504 W Frank Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75904 or First Methodist Church of Diboll, 401 S Hines Street, Diboll, Texas 75941.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Friday morning prior to the services.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.