Henry Douglas "Doug" Schmid

Henry Douglas “Doug” Schmid, 86, died at his home on March 18, 2008. He was born July 14, 1921 in Bloomington, CA. He has been a Fallbrook resident for more than 45 years.

Mr. Schmid grew up in the Coachella Valley, graduating from Coachella Valley High in 1939.

As a lieutenant and B-17 pilot in the Army/Air Corps during WWII, he was awarded the Purple Heart and Prisoner of War medals. On leaving the service, he worked in the agricultural industry.

He retired from Calavo Growers of California in 1986 after more than 20 years of service. He continued to raise avocados and macadamia nuts on his ranch in Fallbrook.

Mr. Schmid was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Barbara, on June 7, 2005. He is survived by daughters Sue Schmid, San Diego, and Darla Schmid, Henderson, NV; sons Stewart Schmid, Fallbrook, and Wes Schmid, Indio, CA; sister Marian Armstrong, Palm Desert; grandchildren Lora, Steve, Eric, Ryan, Krystal and Ashley; and great-grandchildren Heaven and Grady.

Services have been held.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the San Diego Zoological Society, PO Box 551, San Diego, CA, 92112; Coachella Valley Historical Society, PO Box 595, Indio, CA 92202; or the American Red Cross.

Berry-Bell & Hall Fallbrook Mortuary handled arrangements.