Andrew Schmitz

Andrew Martin (Shempa) Schmitz, 68, was taken peacefully from his home in Cabot, Arkansas by Our Lord on Monday, June 11, 2013. Andy's wife of 46 years, Susan Ellen (Baltz) was with him in his final moments, as were his five grand children and his daughter Julie Ann Chafton.

Andy was born on November 12, 1944 to the late Tony and Bertha Rietzke Schmitz who he will now be joining along with his brothers Justin and Leonard, and son in law Carl Chafton.

Andy is survived by his wife Susan of Cabot, Arkansas; his daughter and son in law Angie and Albert Reyes of Vail, AZ; and his five grand kids, Aria Rose, Alaina Ellen, and Alyse Martin Reyes; and Elias Nathanial and Nimue Arwin Chafton. His surviving siblings are Larry and his wife Terry of Old Greenwich, CT; Cletus and his wife Linda of Kansas City, MO; Denis and wife Phyllis of Broken Arrow, OK; Ray and his wife Christy of Richardson, TX; Ambrose and wife Mary of New Blaine, AR; Sister Cabrini Schmitz of Fort Smith, AR; Agnes and husband Bill Hess of Tulsa, OK; Mary Ann and husband Mike Hite of Tulsa, OK; and many nieces and nephews and cousins.

Andy was a retired Air Force Captain, an avid golfer, a loving husband and father, and the best Shempa ever! He had a zest for life that he shared with everyone. He was loved by many and will be missed by all who came into his life. Farewell Shempa. We love you always.