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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