Donald Francis (Don) Schmutz, age 83 of Center, Texas passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 at the Overton Brooks VA Hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana, succumbing to his battle with cancer. Don and Judy moved to Center, Texas in 1967 where Don was a very successful businessman. He raised a family in Shelby County where all of his children graduated from both Center and Shelbyville High Schools. Don and Judy semi-retired in 1989 and moved to West Yellowstone, Montana, working in the restaurant food service industry for 10 years before returning to Shelby County.

 

Don was born to John and Enda (Christenson) Schmutz on December 29, 1933 in Peoria, Illinois. Don married Judith Ann (Judy) Van Dusen on June 5, 1957 and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary earlier this summer. Don is survived by his sons Randy (wife Amber); Ricky (wife Grace), Rodney (wife Michelle) and Cassidy (wife Nana); his grandchildren Cade, Conner & Calli (Randy & Amber); Patrick and Sarah (Rodney & Michelle); Ryan & Sophia (Cassidy & Nana); Amber Luzko (Rhonda); his great grandchildren Annabelle and Katya (Amber Luzko). Don is also survived by his sister Mary Lou Meis from Peoria, Illinois and many wonderful nephews and nieces. Don was preceded in death by his daughter Rhonda, his parents, John and Edna Schmutz, his brother Jim Schmutz and his sisters Vivian Litterest, Elaine Skaggs, Dorothy Drieth, Beverly Christensen.

 

Don served his country as a veteran of the United States Navy from 1951 to 1954 and was honorably discharged with the rank of 3rd Class Signalman. While serving in the Navy, Don attended the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

 

Pallbearers will be members of the Knights of Columbus. Honorary Pallbearers will be his lifelong friend Bill Jones and his grandsons, Patrick Schmutz, Cade Schmutz and Conner Schmutz and Tommy Hughes and Tim Wulf.

 

Visitation will be Thursday, December 28th from 5pm to 7pm at Watson & Sons Funeral Home located at 1554 TX Hwy 7 in Center, Texas. Funeral will be Friday, December 29th at 10am at the St. Therese Catholic Church located at 717 FM 2974 in Center, Texas. Interment will follow at Strong Cemetery in Huxley, Texas.

 

Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com