Karl "Pops" Edward Schmidt, 84, of Chapin, died Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at home with his family. Born July 15, 1937 in Washington, DC, he was a son of the late Arno and Lorena Myrtie High Schmidt. Pops grew up in Maryland and following High School, joined the DC Air National Guard, 113th Wing. He later joined the United States Air Force, serving for ten years as an accountant at Joint Base Andrews. After his time in the military, Karl spent his career as a business accountant, working for several companies, including Volkswagen of North America (a loyal VW patron, his favorite car color was Tornado Red) and The Salvation Army, where he retired. In 2018, he moved from Galena, OH to Chapin, SC to be with Dan and Elaine. He continued using his accounting skills even in retirement, helping individuals and small business with their taxes. Pops was a unique personality who despite his quiet calm demeanor, was unafraid to love life and enjoy the world around him. He appreciated great food and drink, especially any sort of pastry, seafood, which he enjoyed cooking, and of course, his chilled red wine. He was a self-taught and very gifted pianist who loved sharing his skills and his passion for music with others. If there was a public piano around, you would find him at it, playing tunes for others. He was generous with his gift, playing in nursing homes and hospitals, and as of late in the South Carolina Oncology Associates cancer treatment center. Pops also loved spending time on Lake Murray. He was the consummate boat captain, and a member of the Lake Murray Boat Club. You may have seen him on the lake on one of his annual birthday celebrations, dressed up in a themed costume, courtesy of Elaine. Karl was an active participant in the Masons and was a member of the Northwest Masonic Temple in Columbus, OH where he achieved his 55-year pin. Locally, he was active with the Jamil Shrine Center and Boyleston Lodge No. 123, AFM of South Carolina. He is survived by his sons, Daniel K. Schmidt (Elaine) of Chapin, SC; Michael W. Schmidt (Christine) of Bradenton, FL, Wayne R. Schmidt (Nancy) of Avon Lake, OH; step-daughter, Mary Sawyer (Alan) of Columbus, OH; step-son, Tim Mahoney of Westerville, OH; grandchildren, Haley, Nathan, Maxx and Ryan Schmidt; and step grandchildren, Lauren & Zack Sawyer and Maeve and Bridget Mahoney. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Judith "Judy" Mahoney Schmidt. A private celebration of Karl's life with Masonic Rites was held on Saturday July 16th. For those wishing to view the services, click the link here: "Click Here for the Services for Karl" In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society Special thanks to Traditions Hospice and SCOA for the care they provided to Pops. Memories and messages may be shared with Pops' family here on his Tribute Wall. Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to assist the Schmidt family.