Fred H. Schmitt Sr., 92, of Festus died April 27, 2023, in Festus. Mr. Schmitt worked for the Port of New York and the New Jersey Port Authority and retired as a deputy with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard and enjoyed playing golf and going to casinos. Born Sept. 14, 1930, in Forest City, Ark., he was the son of the late Francis “Frank” and Ann (McCain) Schmitt. He was preceded in death by his first wife: Katherine (Dall) Schmitt and his second wife: Betty Marler-Schmitt.
He is survived by his former wife: Patricia Riehl of Affton; four children: Gene (Nancy) Schmitt of Festus, Fred “Freddie” (Karen) Schmitt Jr. of Bonne Terre, Chris (Pam) Schmitt of Hillsboro and Carrie Schmitt of Chicago; three stepdaughters: Rhonda (Tom) Alexander of Festus, Patricia (the late Mike) Beaman of Festus and Denise McMullin of Festus and their families; seven grandchildren: Samantha Yount, Michael Schmitt, Scott Schmitt, Bobby Schmitt, Gracie Schmitt, MaKayla (Spencer) Jamerson and Dustin Schmidt; five great-grandchildren: Logan Yount, Autumn Yount, Jocelyn Smith, Easton Schmitt, and Malia Jamerson; and his constant companion: his Dachshund, Elvis. He was preceded in death by a stepson: Roger Marler; a sister: Mary Massey; and a brother: Thomas Schmitt.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 2, at Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home, 220 N. Main, in De Soto. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 3, at the funeral home, officiated by Chaplin Mark McMullin. Burial is in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Memorials may be made to the BackStoppers, 10411 Clayton Rd., Suite 203, St. Louis, 63131. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home.