Neal James Schmidt, age 73 passed away May 27, 2017 at his Thornton home. Graveside services with Military Honors will be held on Saturday June 10, 2017, 2:00 p.m. at the Colfax Cemetery. Neal was born Oct. 16, 1943 in Spokane, WA to James & Alice (Stark) Schmidt. He grew up and attended school in the Spangle, WA area. Neal enlisted in the US Army January 19, 1965, serving until 1966 when he transferred to the Washington Air National Guard then stationed at Geiger Field, Spokane. He was honorably discharged after serving a total of 6 years. He was also a member of the Washington Air National Guard Association for many years. He married Linda Long on June 18, 1966 in Colfax. He began custom farming at an early age with his dad and later took over the family farm south of Cheney upon his father's death. In the off season he operated his own manufacturing business. He designed and fabricated hydraulic equipment widely used by the McGregor Company among other agribusiness. He was a gifted engineer without the degree. He retired in 2006. Neal enjoyed his horses, maintaining the family home and spending time in his shop, but he never stopped creating and building. He is survived by his wife Linda and two sons, Bret of Colfax and Lance of Spokane; three grandchildren Brooklyn, Wyatt & Kennedy; three sisters Jenell Guske, Mindy Pearson, Cindy Schmidt, and a brother Rodney Schmidt. He was preceded in death by his parents. Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax, WA has been entrusted with arrangements. Memorial donations should be of your choice.