Obituary for Richard Schmitt Sr.
Richard Schmitt, Sr., age 87, of Lebanon, died at 8:50 p.m. Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at Mercy Nursing and Rehab in Swansea after a long battle with cancer.
He was born July 17, 1934 in Clinton County, IL, the son of the late Emil and Mame (Drees) Schmitt.
After high school Richard served in the US Army. When returning from the service, he became a laborer. He then met his future wife, Edith Vest, to whom he was married in 1957. They moved to Lebanon where they raised their family.
His joy of gardening in the spring and fall brought many family and friends together. He also enjoyed cooking, baking and his Christmas Light displays. He was a member of the Albers American Legion Post 1026 and a 53 year member of International Laborers.
Surviving are two children: Richard (Janet) Schmitt, Jr. of Lebanon and Michelle Schmitt of St. Louis, MO; one step-son, Larry (Joyce) Vest of Grafton, IL; thirteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one great great-grandchild; and two sisters-in-law: Ruth Schmitt of California and Ruth Schmitt of St. Louis; many nieces and nephews; family of Marie and all he met through life.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Edith; two children: Rodney and Randy; step-son, Robert; and a special friend, Marie O’Donnell.
Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, February 5, 2022 at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Lebanon. A memorial service will immediately follow the visitation. Burial of his cremated remains will be in Trenton Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Lebanon Volunteer Fire Dept. or to St. Paul United Church of Christ.
He was born July 17, 1934 in Clinton County, IL, the son of the late Emil and Mame (Drees) Schmitt.
After high school Richard served in the US Army. When returning from the service, he became a laborer. He then met his future wife, Edith Vest, to whom he was married in 1957. They moved to Lebanon where they raised their family.
His joy of gardening in the spring and fall brought many family and friends together. He also enjoyed cooking, baking and his Christmas Light displays. He was a member of the Albers American Legion Post 1026 and a 53 year member of International Laborers.
Surviving are two children: Richard (Janet) Schmitt, Jr. of Lebanon and Michelle Schmitt of St. Louis, MO; one step-son, Larry (Joyce) Vest of Grafton, IL; thirteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one great great-grandchild; and two sisters-in-law: Ruth Schmitt of California and Ruth Schmitt of St. Louis; many nieces and nephews; family of Marie and all he met through life.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Edith; two children: Rodney and Randy; step-son, Robert; and a special friend, Marie O’Donnell.
Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, February 5, 2022 at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Lebanon. A memorial service will immediately follow the visitation. Burial of his cremated remains will be in Trenton Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Lebanon Volunteer Fire Dept. or to St. Paul United Church of Christ.