Karl Schmidt (A.K.A.: Karl Shannon)

I grew up listening to Karl on the radio. He was a Kentucky treasure. He will be missed by so many. My condolences to the family.

I was privileged to have worked with Karl at 2 different stations in the Central Kentucky area, (could have been a third but I retired in 2011). Karl was more than a co-worker; he was truly my friend. He had such an incredible passion for his family, country music, his charities and all of his many, many listeners. Marie and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. I will never, ever forget him.

Prayers for the family. He was loved by so many in country music. Rest in peace. Lou

Karl, you will be truly missed. It was great growing up together out in Valley Station. You were a true friend. You will be missed by many in this world and your contributions were massive. Will be looking to see you in the future. Our love to you, your family from us - always.

I just know the world is going to have a little less laughter since Karl is no longer in it. Rest well my sweet friend.

The legacy that Karl leaves behind, speaks for itself. Literally, anyone who ever met him, loved him and considered him a friend. I used to work at the Thomson-Hood Veterans Center and know how much work and love that Karl put in the care shows. Our veterans, staff, and families loved them and appreciated him doing it for them too. I spoke with Karl on numerous occasions about THVC and also about country music. I used to call in to his station/s, on my way home from work to request a song or just chat a minute. He truly loved his family and he often told me how glad he was to have met and married you, Marie. I went through a bad divorce and told Karl about it and he was so kind, and then a few years later, I found love again but was very fearful of marrying again; and he told me love was always worth the pain and that I should follow my heart. Long story short--I did, and today, June 4th, we celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary. I even introduced Karl to Eric at one of car shows and we all laughed about mine and his previous conversations. I'm so truly sorry for your loss, but please know that he dearly loved you and treasured you. I always used to tell him that he should write a book due to all the stories/interactions that he had with all country music legends and the wonderful photos he has. He would laugh, and say, "well, you never know, I may just do that one day". I LOVE The Judds, and he told me so many great stories about them and especially Naomi, and even showed me some of his many pictures. I sure wish he could have written a book and shared all of his wonderful adventures and encounters and especially his priceless photos of legends long gone. Maybe, after some time, you all could put together a book of some kind and share some stories and pictures in his memory. This would be so wonderful and great way to share his love of music and his memory. Sending you lots of love during this difficult time.