Milo “Mike” Schlaudraff, age 80, Inverness, FL passed away Feb. 17, 2022 at Bravera Health in Brooksville. Mike was born in Ft. Wayne, IN on April 19, 1941 to the late Andrew Schlaudraff and Edith Ritenour Schlaudraff and moved to Tampa in 1959.
In 1964 Mike enlisted in the United States Army and was later sent to Vietnam where he was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division as a helicopter crew chief for the Assault Gun Platoon. His Unit was involved in heavy combat. During his service Mike received numerous medals to include the Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 bronze stars and was later awarded the Purple Heart. His rank at discharge was Staff Sergeant. Mike then joined the Tampa Fire Department in 1969 and made his way up the ranks and retired in 1989 as an acting district Chief and Administrator over the rescue division.
After retirement Mike relocated to Citrus County where he continued his career and became the Hazardous Material Coordinator and then the Fire Chief for the County. Mike (Chief) was responsible for over 300 volunteer firefighters, 22 fire stations, and over 100 pieces of fire apparatus. During Mike’s 14 years with Citrus County he was directly responsible for establishing the County’s first fire training
facility, implementation of paid firefighters and purchasing the department’s first computers used to more accurately report data. In 1998 Mike received an award from the Florida Governor, Lawton Chiles for being a task force leader during the Florida fire storms in Volusia County and successfully saving lives and
property.
Patriot Schlaudraff became very involved with Aaron A. Weaver Chapter 776 Military Order of the Purple Heart. He was Volunteer of the Year two separate years. He also enjoyed attending car shows and completing woodworking projects.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Linda Irish Schlaudraff; 2 daughters: Shellie (Chris) Cornell, Inverness, FL; Regina (Rick) Lemons , Gallatin, TN; 1 brother, Art Schlaudraff of Thonotassa, FL; 3 grandchildren, Amanda, Rachel, and Emily; 2 great-grandchildren: Keira and Ethan. Preceded in death by his brother, Jim Schlaudraff, Mother in law, Patricia Irish, Father In law, Glenn Irish, Brother In Law, Francis Irish, Sister In Law, Cynthia Schlaudraff.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Sunday, February 27, 2022 at 2:00 PM at the Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home. The Purple Heart Chapter, Fire Department Personnel, family members and friends will officiate. Burial with full military honors will follow at a later date in Florida National Cemetery.
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