Wayne Allen Schmidt, 75, of Inman, KS passed away Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, Wichita. He was born September 23, 1950, in Hutchinson, KS, the son of Olin and Tillie Nachtigal Schmidt. Wayne was a member of Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church, living his life as a pacifist in every aspect. He put these principles into action daily, believing all the world’s problems were best solved with a good discussion… and good coffee.

Wayne graduated from Buhler High School and attended Bethel College until drafted during the Vietnam war. He completed his 1W service in Southern CA assisting those injured. In CA, he and his wife Amber fell in love. She could not resist his long wavy hair and bellbottoms, originally dreaming he was a surfer. Years later, the non-surfer, Kansas farmer built his California bride a beautiful waterfront beach house… on the front acre pond. They enjoyed a fruitful marriage of 53 years.

Farming in both his father and grandfather ‘s footsteps, he owned and operated A & W Farms for 50 years. Wayne retired in 2020 after lovingly and passionately farming the original Homestead of his parents. At age 14, Wayne began his first business venture with a simple handshake from the Buhler banker, enabling him to raise piglets. He loved them, insuring each was rubbed with sunblock, daily. He had a true entrepreneurial spirit and loved talking business with others, claiming he always gave his best ideas away. As Kansas winters can facilitate additional ventures, WayBo Foods in Moundridge, KanGro, Inc and Schmidt Properties found their way out of his creative mind and were established.

Forever the guy who loved the company of all, Wayne notoriously gathered family and friends, often convincing them an impromptu trip to the lake was the day’s best idea. Fishing, enjoying nature, woodworking, building unconventional and innovative prototypes were among his hobbies. Activities were always sprinkled by making others laugh, most often with a baby, any baby, in his arms. His kind teachings about life, encouraging conversations and, simply, time spent together leave us with lovely, heartfelt memories.

He married Amber Bickel in 1972. She survives. Additional survivors include his lovely daughter, Autumn Schmidt, Hutchinson; his son, Jeffrey (Jessica) Schmidt, Inman, who continue his farming legacy; his smart, beautiful and kind granddaughters, Chloe, Annabelle, and Elsa Schmidt, all of Inman; and his adventurous sister, Mary Schmidt, Moundridge. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Carolyn Buller and Joyce Mills; and several brothers in law.

Cremation has occurred. A visitation will be held from 5-7PM Friday, February 27th at Inman Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, February 28th at Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church, Inman. The service will be live streamed on the Inman Funeral Home Facebook page, which can be accessed at www.inmanfh.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Mennonite Disaster Relief Fund or the Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church, both in care of the funeral home. To leave a condolence for the family, please visit: www.inmanfh.com.