Richard “Rick” Lester Schmitz

Richard “Rick” Lester Schmitz of Winfield, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, February 14, 2019, at the age of 78. Beloved husband of Brenda Schmitz of 23 years; cherished son of the late Walter Lester and Ernestine Schmitz; devoted father of April (Tom) Rhodes, Annette Hormann, Chad (Heather) Schmitz, Dean Cain, Joseph Cain, Debra Jones, and John (Kathy) Cain; loving grandfather of 15; and treasured great-grandfather of 6; dear uncle, cousin, and friend to many.

Richard is also preceded in death by brother James Schmitz, and grandson Nicholas Schmitz.

Richard proudly dedicated twenty years serving his country in the United States Military. He honorably served ten years as a Radar Man in the United States Navy and retired as an Air Traffic Controller after an additional ten years in the United States Airforce. He collected model ships and was very talented at woodworking. Richard enjoyed country music, watching movies, playing his guitar, and singing, but above all his family was most important to him. He was a dedicated father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Richard will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

A note from his family reads:

I will always remember the laughter and tears we shared. Your caring heart, your warm hugs and the way you always fixed things. I will always remember our screaming matches, the cold shoulders and silent treatments, but mostly how much you loved us. I will always remember how much you loved my mom and how much you protected us and cared for us. I will always remember you because there will never be another one of you to replace you in our hearts.

I will love you forever.

Memorials may be made in Richard’s honor to the American Cancer Society.