CRAZY CIVIL COURT ← Back
GARFIELD COUNTY • CJ-2026-136

Communication Federal Credit Union v. The Unknown Successors and Assigns of Jack W. Schmidt a/k/a Jack Wayne Schmidt, Deceased, and Cheryl D. Schmidt a/k/a Cheryl Dee Schmidt

Filed: Apr 27, 2026
Type: CJ

What's This Case About?

A credit union is suing a dead man’s ghost estate for the right to repossess his car — and no, this isn’t the plot of a Kafkaesque horror movie. This is a real Oklahoma court case, where Communication Federal Credit Union is trying to legally strong-arm a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado out of the clutches of Jack W. Schmidt’s unknown heirs. That’s right: the defendant list reads like a legal Ouija board session — “The Unknown Successors and Assigns of Jack W. Schmidt, Deceased” — which, let’s be honest, sounds less like a court filing and more like the title of a particularly bleak indie band.

So who were these people? Jack and Cheryl Schmidt, a married couple from Ringwood, Oklahoma, who in April 2022 decided to buy a modest pickup truck — a 2015 Chevy Colorado — from Northcutt Chevrolet Buick, LLC. Like most Americans, they didn’t have $24,510 in cash lying around, so they signed a Retail Installment Sale Contract, promising to pay the amount over time. As part of that deal, they granted the dealership a security interest in the vehicle — legal speak for “if you don’t pay, we take the car.” That contract, with its fine print thicker than a steak at Cattlemen’s, was later assigned — sold, basically — to Communication Federal Credit Union, making them the new creditor. Cheryl’s name is still on the contract, but she’s curiously absent from the lawsuit. Maybe she’s alive. Maybe she’s not. The filing doesn’t say. What we do know is that Jack passed away on June 13, 2025, in Ringwood — and now, the credit union is left chasing a debt through the fog of probate limbo.

Here’s how we got here: Jack and Cheryl bought the truck, presumably to haul things, impress neighbors, or maybe just because midsize trucks are the emotional support animals of the American working class. They made some payments — enough to whittle the balance down, but not enough to clear it. By February 2026, they were $10,763.64 behind, plus $167.64 in interest and $108 in fees. The credit union says they’re in default. The Schmidts — or at least the ones who are still breathing — say nothing, because no one is actually in court to say anything. That’s the whole problem: the credit union doesn’t know who inherited the truck. Are there kids? A surviving spouse? A distant cousin in Tulsa who now parks the Colorado in their driveway? No clue. So instead of suing a person, they’re suing a legal phantom — “The Unknown Successors and Assigns” — which is basically the legal equivalent of yelling into the void and hoping someone yells back.

So why are we in court? The legal claim is replevin — a word so old-fashioned it sounds like a rejected Harry Potter spell. In plain English, replevin is a court order that says, “Hey, that thing you have? It’s not yours. Give it back.” The credit union isn’t asking for money — at least not primarily. They want the car. They want a Writ of Replevin, which is a fancy piece of paper that authorizes the sheriff to go full Die Hard if necessary — “break open any property or enclosure” — to retrieve the vehicle. They also want a declaration that their lien on the truck is senior and prior to anyone else’s claim — meaning, even if some heir shows up waving a will, the credit union gets first dibs on the Colorado. This isn’t just about repossession; it’s about establishing legal dominance over a rusty pickup in a quiet Oklahoma town.

Now, here’s the juicy part: the credit union estimates the truck is worth about $9,075. But they’re owed over $10,900. That means they’re underwater — the debt is bigger than the collateral. And yet, they still want the car. Why? Because in the world of secured lending, it’s not always about profit — it’s about precedent, process, and paperwork. If they don’t enforce the contract now, they risk setting a precedent that dead people’s debts just… evaporate. And in the cold calculus of credit unions, that’s a slippery slope. So they’re willing to spend attorney fees, court costs, and God knows how many hours of legal drafting to reclaim a vehicle worth less than the debt. Is it practical? No. Is it petty? Absolutely. But is it technically within their rights? According to the contract, and apparently, Oklahoma law — yes.

The demands here are theatrical. They don’t just want the car — they want the right to smash down a door to get it. They want a court order declaring their interest superior to any ghost, heir, or distant relative who might stumble out of the woodwork. And they want it all wrapped up in a final judgment, so there’s no appeal, no delay, no mercy. It’s the legal version of bringing a flamethrower to a campfire.

Now, let’s talk about that $10,900. Is it a lot? In the grand scheme of car loans — maybe not. But for a 2015 Colorado with 11 years on it? That’s pushing the upper limit of what that truck will ever be worth again. For context, Kelley Blue Book puts a similar model in decent shape at around $8,500 — close to the credit union’s estimate. So they’re chasing a depreciating asset that’s already worth less than what’s owed. This isn’t a Ferrari stashed in a garage — it’s a workhorse pickup that’s probably got mud on the tires and a gym membership card in the glovebox. And yet, the machine grinds on. The credit union, represented by a law firm with a name longer than the contract itself, is treating this like a high-stakes asset recovery mission, not a minor default on a modest loan.

Our take? The most absurd part isn’t that a credit union is suing a dead guy. It’s that they’re doing it with such bureaucratic precision, as if they expect Jack Schmidt’s ghost to file a motion to dismiss from beyond the grave. The whole thing reeks of institutional overreach — a faceless financial entity deploying legal artillery over a truck that probably smells like old fries and regret. We’re not rooting for the credit union. We’re not even rooting for the mysterious heirs (whoever they are). We’re rooting for the truck. That Colorado has survived marriages, payments, death, and now a court battle — it deserves a memoir. Maybe it gets driven off into the sunset by some unknown nephew who uses it to haul firewood and never pays a dime. Maybe it ends up on Craigslist with a story that’s way more interesting than its Blue Book value. But one thing’s for sure: in the great American drama of debt and possession, this little Chevy has become an accidental legend. And honestly? We’re here for it.

Case Overview

Petition
Jurisdiction
District Court, Oklahoma
Relief Sought
Injunctive Relief
Declaratory Relief
Claims
# Cause of Action Description
1 Replevin

Petition Text

2,422 words
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF GARFIELD COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA COMMUNICATION FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, vs. THE UNKNOWN SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS OF JACK W. SCHMIDT A/K/A JACK WAYNE SCHMIDT, DECEASED, and CHERYL D. SCHMIDT A/K/A CHERYL DEE SCHMIDT, Defendants. Case No. CJ-2026-130-01 PETITION IN REPLEVIN FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION - REPLEVIN COMES NOW Plaintiff, Communication Federal Credit Union (hereafter “Plaintiff”), by and through counsel of record Joshua C. Greenhaw, Cara J. Bisel, and Breanne Stewart of Mee Hawkins Greenhaw & Cotner PLLP, and for its claims against The Unknown Successors and Assigns of Jack W. Schmidt a/k/a Jack Wayne Schmidt, Deceased, and Cheryl D. Schmidt a/k/a Cheryl Dee Schmidt (collectively hereafter referred to as the “Defendants”) alleges and states: 1. On or about April 4, 2022, Jack W. Schmidt a/k/a Jack Wayne Schmidt and Cheryl D. Schmidt a/k/a Cheryl Dee Schmidt, for good and valuable consideration, executed and delivered to Northcutt Chevrolet Buick, LLC, a Retail Installment Sale Contract and Security Agreement (hereafter the “Contract”), in the amount of $24,510.00. 2. As part of Contract, and to secure the payment of the amounts owed pursuant to said Contract, Jack W. Schmidt a/k/a Jack Wayne Schmidt and Cheryl D. Schmidt a/k/a Cheryl Dee Schmidt granted to Northcutt Chevrolet Buick, LLC, a security interest in a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado (VIN: 1GCHSBE34F1230025) (hereafter the “Vehicle”). A true and correct copy of the Contract is attached hereto as Exhibit “A”. 3. Said Contract was subsequently assigned to Plaintiff and Plaintiff is the current owner and holder thereof and is the current creditor. 4. Under the terms of said Contract, Jack W. Schmidt a/k/a Jack Wayne Schmidt and Cheryl D. Schmidt a/k/a Cheryl Dee Schmidt agreed to make payments to Plaintiff as set out therein. 5. Jack W. Schmidt a/k/a Jack Wayne Schmidt and Cheryl D. Schmidt a/k/a Cheryl Dee Schmidt did not pay said Contract in accordance with the terms thereof and is in default. 6. As of February 18, 2026, after credit for all payments and offsets, the balance due under Contract was $10,763.64, together with interest in the amount of $167.64, plus interest continuing to accrue from and after February 18, 2026, at the contractual rate of 3.74% per annum, until paid, and fees/charges in the amount of $108.00, pursuant to Contract. 7. Under the terms of Contract and under the Uniform Commercial Code, Plaintiff has a special interest in the Vehicle and the right to the immediate and permanent possession of said Vehicle. 8. Upon information and belief, Jack W. Schmidt a/k/a Jack Wayne Schmidt is deceased, with his date of death being June 13, 2025, in Ringwood, OK. 9. Plaintiff has made a diligent search of all readily available sources and does not know, and with due diligence cannot ascertain, the names or whereabouts of Jack W. Schmidt a/k/a Jack Wayne Schmidt’s successors, if any. 10. Defendants may claim an interest in the Vehicle, but Plaintiff alleges that any interest claimed by Defendants is subject to and inferior to the interest of the Plaintiff in the Vehicle. 11. The actual value of said Vehicle is unknown to this Plaintiff, but Plaintiff believes the approximate value of said Vehicle to be $9,075.00. 12. The aforementioned Vehicle was not taken in execution on any order or judgment against said Plaintiff, or for the payment of any tax, fine or amercement assessed against it, or by virtue of an Order of Delivery issued, or any other mesne or final process issued against said Plaintiff. WHEREFORE, Plaintiff requests that the Court grant judgment for an Order of Delivery (Writ of Replevin) for the Plaintiff against the Defendants for the permanent possession of the Vehicle pursuant to 12 O.S. § 1583. Plaintiff further requests judgment decreeing that Plaintiff's interest in said Vehicle is senior and prior to the interest of the Defendants in said property. Plaintiff further requests judgment pursuant to 12 O.S. § 1582, should the Defendants refuse to grant possession of the Vehicle to Plaintiff, that the Sheriff of Major County, or any other county in Oklahoma where the Vehicle may be found, shall be authorized to break open any property or enclosure in which the Vehicle is concealed after first demanding entry thereto. Plaintiff further requests that any judgment herein be deemed a final judgment pursuant to 12 O.S. § 994 (OSCN 2026), and for any other relief to which it is entitled. Respectfully submitted, BREANNE STEWART, OBA #35747 [email protected] CARA J. BISEL, OBA #31390 [email protected] JOSHUA C. GREENHAW, OBA #19111 [email protected] MEE HAWKINS GREENHAW & COTNER PLLP PO Box 1375 Oklahoma City, OK 73101 Telephone: (405) 646-6784 Facsimile: (405) 848-9101 ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. VERIFICATION STATE OF OKLAHOMA ) COUNTY OF OKLAHOMA ) ss. 1. Breanne Stewart, of lawful age, being first duly sworn, on this 23 day of April 2026, depose and say: That I am the attorney of the Plaintiff in the above-referenced cause; that I have read the above and foregoing Petition and have personal knowledge thereof; that I know the contents thereof and that the statements therein made are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. I state under penalty of perjury under the laws of Oklahoma that the foregoing is true and correct. ____________________________________ BREANNE STEWART RETAIL INSTALLMENT SALE CONTRACT SIMPLE FINANCE CHARGE [Redacted] Please Read and Comply If you buy the vehicle sales for cash or trade. By signing this contract, you agree to follow the terms of credit under agreements on the front and back of this contract. You agree to pay the Seller $2000 down plus the yearly interest rate (see Amount Financed and Finance Charge or U.S. funds according to the payment schedule above We will deduct your finance charge on an daily basis The items on the Senior Disclosure Notice are part of this contract. [Redacted] [Redacted] [Redacted] FEDERAL TRUTH-IN-LENDING DISCLOSURES ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE: The cost of your credit as a yearly rate. FINANCE CHARGE: The amount the credit provider will collect. Amount of Credit: The amount of credit provided by the credit provider. Total Sale Price: The total cost of your vehicle including additional charges. Your Payment Schedule Will Be: <table> <tr> <th>No.</th> <th>Amount</th> <th>When Payments Are Due</th> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td>$1,950</td> <td>Beginning of Month</td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td></td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td></td> <td></td> </tr> </table> Late Charge: If payment is not received in full within 10 days after it is due, you will owe a late charge of $7.00 or 1% of the part of the purchase that remains unpaid, whichever is greater. Prepayment: If you pay early, you will not have to pay a penalty. Security Deposit: You are charging a security deposit for the vehicle being purchased. Additional Information: See the contract for more information including information about consumer credit laws, fair credit reporting acts, and security interests. RECAPITULATION OF AMOUNT FINANCED <table> <tr> <th>#</th> <th>Description</th> <th>Amount</th> </tr> <tr> <td>1</td> <td>Down Payment</td> <td>$1,950</td> </tr> <tr> <td>2</td> <td>Total Down Payment</td> <td>$1,950</td> </tr> <tr> <td>3</td> <td>Other Charges</td> <td>$0</td> </tr> <tr> <td>4</td> <td>Taxes/Tags/All Fees</td> <td>$0</td> </tr> <tr> <td>5</td> <td>Insurance</td> <td>$0</td> </tr> <tr> <td>6</td> <td>Other Charges</td> <td>$0</td> </tr> <tr> <td>7</td> <td>Other Total</td> <td>$0</td> </tr> <tr> <td>8</td> <td>Total Other Charges</td> <td>$0</td> </tr> <tr> <td>9</td> <td>Finance Charge</td> <td>$0</td> </tr> <tr> <td>10</td> <td>Total Amount Financed</td> <td>$0</td> </tr> </table> Check the insurance you want and sign below: Optional Credit Insurance 1) Liability Policy 2) No Liability Policy 3) No Optional Insurance 4) Other ____________________________ Premium: ____________________ Amount Deeded to Insurance Company: ____________________ This Vehicle has been accident-free since the date of sale. Other Optional Insurance 1) Vehicle ________ Premium: ____________ Amount Deeded to Insurance Company: ____________________ This Vehicle has been accident-free since the date of sale. THIS INSURANCE DOES NOT INCLUDE INSURANCE ON YOUR LIABILITY FOR BODILY INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE CAUSED BY NEGLIGENCE. WITHOUT SUCH INSURANCE YOU MAY NOT OPERATE THIS VEHICLE ON PUBLIC HIGHWAYS. [Redacted] & [Redacted] Date [Redacted] OPTION 1: You may not finance charge if the Annual Percentage Rate is stated in writing before Nov. ____________________________ Year in / O SELLER'S NAME Printed Name ____________________________ Signature ____________________________ Date ____________________________ OPTION 2: A guarantor and co-obligator is required. If you refuse to list the guarantor, the Seller reserves the right to cancel this contract immediately without notice. You cannot assign this contract to another name without the Seller's approval. See the contract for details on the terms and rights of the buyer and seller. [Redacted] & [Redacted] Date ____________________________ NO COOLING OFF PERIOD State law does not provide for a "cooling off" or cancellation period for this sale. After you sign this contract, you may only cancel it if the Seller agrees or for legal cause. You cannot cancel this contract simply because you change your mind. This notice does not apply to home solicitation sales. The Annual Percentage Rate may be negotiable with the Seller. The Seller may assign this contract and retain its right to receive a part of the Finance Charge. HOW THIS CONTRACT CAN BE CHANGED: The contract is complete when signed by both buyer and seller. Any changes to this contract must be signed by both parties. See the back for other important agreements. NOTICE TO RETAIL BUYER: Do not sign this contract in blank. You are entitled to a copy of the contract at the time you sign. Keep it to protect your legal rights. You agree to the terms of this contract. You confirm that before you signed this contract, we gave it to you, and you were free to take it and review it. You confirm that you received a completely filled-in copy when you signed it. [Redacted] Signed ____________________________ Date ____________________________ Buyer Printed Name ____________________________ Co-Buyer Printed Name ____________________________ Co-Buyer Signed ____________________________ Date ____________________________ Co-Buyer Printed Name ____________________________ EXHIBIT A OTHER IMPORTANT AGREEMENTS 1. FINANCE CHARGE AND PAYMENTS a. How we will figure Finance Charge: We will figure the Finance Charge on monthly basis using the average daily balance method of computing interest charges. b. How we will apply payments: You may apply each payment to the earliest unpaid installments first then to later unpaid installments. c. If you are late payments: We will assess a finance charge when you are late in making any payment on this agreement and you must pay that finance charge. 2. YOUR OTHER PROMISES TO US a. If the vehicle is damaged, destroyed, or missing: You agree to buy us all you owe under this contract even if the vehicle is stolen, lost, or destroyed. b. Using the vehicle: You agree not to rent, lend, sell, or trade the vehicle without our written consent unless otherwise provided herein or by local law. c. Security Interest: • You grant us a security interest in: • The vehicle and all parts or goods sold for it; • All money or goods received (including but not limited to resale proceeds) for the vehicle; and, • Any other property used to secure payment of the balance owed under this agreement. d. Business you conduct on the vehicle: • You agree to inform us directly about any sales or leasing of this vehicle or any part of this vehicle. We reserve the right to inspect any vehicle you sell or lease, including the vehicle itself, all parts, and all records, books, and documents related to the vehicle. We have the right to reject any transaction or sale if we determine the vehicle has been involved in a commercial transaction or business use, unless otherwise agreed in writing between you and us. e. If you return the vehicle: • You will complete and sign a Vehicle Return Agreement when you return the vehicle to us. • You will notify us immediately if you return the vehicle. f. If you pay late or break your promises: • You may owe late charges. We will charge you a late payment fee as described in the "Finance Charge" section above. If you pay late, we reserve the right to stop payment of the vehicle. If you fail to pay within five days after notice of nonpayment, we will pursue any remedies available under applicable law, including repossession and sale of the vehicle. g. What we may do about optional insurance, maintenance, service, or other connects: You cannot pay extra insurance, maintenance, service, or other connects. If you pay extra insurance, maintenance, service, or other connects, we will apply that money toward your outstanding balance under this agreement. h. What we may do about breach of warranty: If we determine that the vehicle does not conform to the representations made by the seller, we will pursue any remedies available under applicable law, including repossession and sale of the vehicle. 3. IF YOU PAY LATE OR BREAK YOUR OTHER PROMISES a. You may owe late charges. See the "Finance Charge" section above for details on how late payment fees are calculated. If a payment is more than 30 days overdue, we will assess a finance charge. b. You may have to pay all owed at once. If you break one promise in this agreement, you must pay all owed at once. c. You may lose your vehicle. If you do not follow these promises, we may have to repossess your vehicle. d. Consequences of breaking this contract. • This agreement will be subject to all claims and defenses which the debtor could assert against the seller of goods or services obtained pursuant hereto or with the proceeds hereof. Recovery hereunder by the debtor shall not exceed amounts paid by the debtor hereunder. • Any holder of this consumer credit contract is subject to all claims and defenses which the debtor could assert against the seller of goods or services obtained pursuant hereto or with the proceeds hereof. Recovery hereunder by the debtor shall not exceed amounts paid by the debtor hereunder. NOTICE: ANY HOLDER OF THIS CONSUMER CREDIT CONTRACT IS SUBJECT TO ALL CLAIMS AND DEFENSES WHICH THE DEBTOR COULD ASSERT AGAINST THE SELLER OF GOODS OR SERVICES OBTAINED PURSUANT HERETO OR WITH THE PROCEEDS HEREOF. RECOVERY HEREUNDER BY THE DEBTOR SHALL NOT EXCEED AMOUNTS PAID BY THE DEBTOR HEREBY. The preceding Notice applies only to you if somebody assigned something for personal, family, or household use, in all other cases the Buyer (debtor) may assert against any subsequent holder or assignee of this contract any claim or defense the Buyer (debtor) may have against the Seller, or against the manufacturer of the vehicle or equipment financed under this contract.
Disclaimer: This content is sourced from publicly available court records. Crazy Civil Court is an entertainment platform and does not provide legal advice. We are not lawyers. All information is presented as-is from public filings.