Michael Schmitt

     Michael R. Schmitt, 90, of Covington, Indiana, passed away January 11, 2022.  He was born in Louisville, KY, and always considered Louisville to be “down home”.
     Mike was a “Kentucky Colonel”, the highest title of honor bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky.  It is a recognition of Individuals for their service and accomplishments on behalf of others.  He proudly attended the group events and the Kentucky Derby.
     He loved his parents, Michael and Mary, his sister, Betty Schmitt, and his brother, Henry Schmitt, who are deceased and is also preceded in death by his son, Larry Schmitt and his niece, Janelle Iannitto, whom he’ll join in Heaven.  He is survived by his brother, Joe (Barbara) Schmitt of Loudon, Tennessee; his daughter, Sandra Schmitt of Covington, whom he lived with; his sons, Terry & Steve Schmitt of Danville; his grandchildren Joe McKown of Covington and Emily Goble of Williamsport; his great grandchildren, Jackson & Emmett Goble; his brother-in-law, Buzz Cassady; and his special nieces, Laura Nichols of Baton Rouge, LA, and Lisa Peterson of Trophy Club, TX.
     Mike enlisted in the US Navy during the Korean War, 1949 through 1952.  He traveled the world on the USS Arneb Supply Ship and saw many interesting places.  He was proud of the time he served.
     After leaving the Navy, he became a night policeman for the C&EI Railroad, in Danville, IL.  He also sold encyclopedias door to door.  His career was at TeePak from 1956-1990.  He considered his TeePak coworkers as friends.  After he retired, he would see them from time to time and it would make his day.  He never met a stranger and had plenty of adventures to tell.  His retreat was a farm of over 50 years in Eugene, IN.  Eugene was a special place for him.  He could be found at Angie’s or the Covered Bridge Restaurants at lunch time.  He had many visitors and loved showing them around.  From there he planted many things but mostly tomatoes.  He was always looking for people to give them to.  He dropped them off at many places and with his friends at McDonald’s in North Danville, and the Danville “Mall Walkers”.
     When Covid started, he missed his breakfast friends and eventually moved to Covington with his daughter.  They had what they both said was the “Best Year Ever.”  They took many day trips, he sat on the swing in the Giant Birdcage in Casey, IL.  They also visited the Shrine at ST. John Indiana.  There he followed the past of Jesus’ last steps and confessed his love and acceptance of Christ.
      A Graveside Service with Military Rites will be held at 11:00am, Friday, May 27, 2022, at Danville National Cemetery, 1900 E Main St, Danville, IL 61832.  His Church was Christian Union Church in Covington, IN.  He loved everyone there and loved his seat by the window.  He said when his time would come to meet his Lord and family in Heaven, he wanted any memorial donations to go to his Church, Christian Union Church, PO Box 122, Covington, IN  47932.  Thanks to Pastor Tony Demoss, Roy Riggs, and everyone at the Christian Union Church; to Anthony Duncan, his farming partner; to the American Legion Post #210; to the Patriot Guard Riders; and to Jeremy Hall and Sunset’s Covington Chapel.  Please join his family in sharing memories through his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

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