Cecil Carl Schmidt, Jr., 68, of League City, Texas, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2020, in Houston, Texas. He was born October 18, 1951, in Pasadena, Texas, to parents, Cecil Carl Schmidt, Sr. and Katherine Estelle Schmidt (Hetzel). Cecil grew up in Kemah, Texas, and was adored by his family, but especially by his grandfather who gave him the nickname “Toot” after The Little Train that Could, his favorite childhood book. Cecil was a member of the FFA and 4H, growing up, and he loved riding and showing horses, just like his Dad. He attended Clear Creek High School and then went off to college, finishing at Southwest Texas State with a degree in Criminal Law. He worked at several different companies, but ended his career at UTMB in Galveston.

Cecil loved to cook and was often busy smoking a brisket on weekends. Later he fell in love with cooking chili, thus starting a career traveling all over Texas competing at chili cook offs. It soon became a family affair as his mom and sister, Bonnie, joined in the competitions. Together they cooked chili for over thirty years. They were a tough group to beat! They each cooked different recipes, but his had to be the hottest! He qualified almost every year for the World Chili Cook-off in Terlingua, Texas, and made the top ten more than once. Cecil also loved to play the dogs and was often seen at the dog track where he has many great friends.

Cecil was known for his smile which helped him win friends everywhere he went. He met his dear buddy, Logan Goodson, on the playground in elementary who became his lifelong friend. But, Cecil’s BEST friend was his mother. She was always by his side and dedicated her life to his wellbeing. He loved her so much. After her passing, Cecil’s sisters, Bonnie and Cathy, were his angels on earth, seeing to his needs. Cecil was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his sisters, brother and sister-in-law, niece and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, numerous cousins and other relatives, many past co-workers, friends, and caregivers.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank their cousin Carolyn Schmidt who often checked on Cecil and kept him up on sports. Thank you to Cecil’s caregivers: Vera, Dennis and Suzanne. Also, thank you to Jessica and Katie from Harbor Hospice for being so caring and a friend to Cecil.

In his honor a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated and may be made to ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.