William R. Schmitz

William R. "Bill" Schmitz, 84, of Hot Springs Village, passed into the arms of our Heavenly Father on Saturday, June 2, 2012. Bill was born on April 14, 1928, to William J. and Blanch Schmitz in Cole County, Missouri. After graduating from high school in Russellville, Missouri, Bill served in the U.S. Navy in 1947-1948, and then joined International Shoe Company. He was employed for many years in the rubber, chemical and adhesives industries, including serving as general manager of the Ashland, Ohio adhesives plant. He was a past President and Lifetime Member of The Adhesives and Sealant Council, Inc. He was an avid golfer, reader and an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in the Village. He served for more than 15 years as a marshal at Cortez Golf Course. Bill is survived by his wife, Wanda G. (Wehner) Schmitz, of Hot Springs Village and by three children: William Mark Schmitz (Nancy), of Kuwait City, Kuwait; Eric M. Schmitz (Sally), of Kirksville, Missouri and Amy Ann Schmitz (Jeff), of San Diego, California and by daughter-in-law. Jayne Schmitz, of St. Louis, Missouri. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Charmain Napolitan, Christabel Cheung, Cheryl Schmitz, Sarah Schmitz, Kathleen Roth, Danny Schmitz and Hannah Pasek, and by three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters and is survived by one sister, Margaret Bates, of Jefferson City, Missouri. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 8, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice. Arrangements are under care of Caruth Village Funeral Home; guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com.