Obituary
Chad Schmidt, of Raymore, Missouri, passed away on April 27, 2026. He was deeply loved by so many and will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.
Chad was a devoted son, grandson, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, and friend. His love for his family was constant and unmistakable. He had a special bond with each of his nieces and nephews, never missing a game, school event, or any opportunity to spend time with them. They all adored him just as much as he adored them. Chad was always there for the moments that mattered – often the last to leave a gathering and the one whose presence brought an extra light to every room.
From the age of 12, Chad discovered a lifelong passion for riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles. What began as a young boy riding alongside his Grandpa on a Heritage Softail grew into a defining part of his life. For the past 10 years, Chad proudly served as Director of the Greater Kansas City HOG Chapter. Prior to that he served as the Chapter Historian (at the age of 13!) and spent many years as a Road Captain. He made 27 unforgettable trips to Sturgis, including one special trip where he took his mom for her 60th birthday. There were countless other rides with his close-knit community of fellow riders. To Chad, these weren’t just friends – they were family. Many of his most cherished memories were made on the open road, surrounded by the people who shared his passion.
Music was another strong passion of Chad’s. He appreciated all genres and found joy both in the energy of live concerts and in quiet moments at home watching music videos, documentaries, and expanding his impressive collection. He had a remarkable knowledge of music history and was known for being a bit of a trivia expert.
Chad also found companionship and happiness in his beloved cat, Captain Jack – affectionately known as Jackie Boy, CJ, and Captain – who brought him comfort and joy, and lots of scratches.
Chad leaves behind a large and loving family, including his parents, Michelle and Bill Younger, stepmother, Leah Schmidt, and grandparents, Regena Rook; Larry and Alice West. Siblings: Lindsey (Jeff) Maier and their children Jamie, Will, Payton and Hunter; Stephanie (Todd) Tobis and their children, Rachel (Jason), Sydney (Daniel), and Taylor; Bill (Ruth) Younger and daughter, Susan; Lauren and her child Robbie; Trevor; Chessa and her children Rel and Summer; Trey (Rachel).
He also leaves behind many friends that he loved dearly, whose lives were made better by knowing him.
He was preceded in death by grandparents, Loren and Bernita Schmidt and Leon Rook as well as his father, Scott Schmidt.
Chad, thank you for all the love, endless laughter, great times and lasting memories. We are happy that you are at peace and know that where you are there is an endless open road, blue skies, and sunshine. We love you and will miss you always.
A visitation will be held on Friday, May 8, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Langsford Funeral Home in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. A Celebration of Life will take place the following day, Saturday, May 9, at 10:00 a.m., also at the funeral home, with a graveside service to follow at Lee’s Summit Historical Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Chad’s memory be made to Ronald McDonald House.
Condolences
Visitation
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Services
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Heartbreaking news. He was a great guy and friend. Many of miles were had together on Harley’s. Sturgis will always be cherished memories with you leading our crazy group around. Chad will be terribly missed and will always hold a special place in our memories. I’m sure he is riding on in heaven. Prayers and comfort to the entire family.
Chad,
I will cherish our last conversation the most. I’m so proud of you and the man you became. I remember meeting you at your first HOG meeting. When I came back to the club I was totally surprised to see you. Your Grandpa did a great job. You will always be in my thoughts every time I ride or see a bike. I know you’re in good hands. Tell Grandpa and Loose Gravel we think of them all the time. Ride with God my friend.
Toddie
My heartfelt condolences on the passing of Chad your dear beloved family and friend. Words can never express the loss of your love one. My prayers going out to your family!
Chad,
Man, I miss you already! I’ve known you since you & Leon joined the HOG Chapter in 1994. You’ve always been such a wonderful, caring person to all of your family and a good friend to all of us who were lucky enough to know you. I will cherish the memories of all the fun times we had together and the countless rides, both long or short. I especially enjoyed the 16 years we rode together to Sturgis with our other great friends! I know you’re up in heaven reuniting with your Dad, Grandpa Leon and many of our riding friends and there is no doubt in my mind that you’ve already led a fun cycle ride! Chad, you’ve been such a great friend to Debbie & me and you will never be forgotten.
Luv ya man!
Jon & Debbie Jackson
Did not know him super well. But did enjoy a couple of rides with him. Very enjoyable and the most friendly person. Prayers to the family.
Such a shock to everyone around ! Chad will be greatly missed around our Harley world thats for sure! I met him clear back on 2006 when I started working at Blue Springs Harley as a Tech and started hanging out with the Hog Chapter. He was always nice and a great asset to the chapter and those around him ! I sure wish I could have made a trip to Sturgis with him I bet that would have been a blast and he would have been a great chaperone lol.
Im so sorry for all his family and friends’ loss. RIPARADISE CHAD !!! RIDE FREE FLY HIGH! Many prayers sent up for everyone ! Burn some rubber in the afterlife man !!!
Chad being gone at such a young age hurts our hearts. We met him when he and his grandpa, Leon Rook, joined the HOG Club, about 32 years ago. We watched him go through his teens, college, get his own Harley and become a leader… the leader of the HOG Club.
Chad lived near us for several years. Along with visiting at Harley functions, we’d run into him at local dining establishments. Our conversations included his family activities, music, his work, and in recent months, Captain Jack. It was always a joy to visit with him.
He was a wonderful friend and we know he is going to be sorely missed by countless friends and his many family members. Sending sympathy and prayers to his family.
John and Ginny Pressly
I send my deepest sympathy. I did not know Chad personally but am a good friend of his Grandmother Rook and after hearing a lot about Chad during our conversions I know he was a wonderful young man. He will be missed but thank God for wonderful memories of our loved ones. All of Chads family are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all.
Chad was our backyard neighbor in Leawood South growing up. He was the kindest person from those childhood days. My brother Adam and him had a close bond and we always treated him like a part of our family. May his memory be a blessing
Chad, you will be missed. Enjoyed watching you grow up on a Harley.
Shelli and family,
I’m so very sorry to hear about the loss of your son, my deepest sympathy. Such a wonderful tribute reading about him! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Shelli, Bill and your extended family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time. I cannot remember ever seeing Chad without a smile on his face. His personality was always so upbeat. As a fellow HD rider we always had something to talk about; mostly different cross country trips we had taken. It goes without saying he will be sorely missed. Again. my prayers for you and your family.
Mike
Sorry for your loss! Chad loved his family ad his motorcycle family. He will be missed by all..