Norman D. Schmitt

ASHMORE, IL – Norman D. Schmitt, age 87 of rural Ashmore, Illinois, passed away in the comfort of his home with loving family at his side on Friday, May 31, 2019.  A Graveside Service, to honor and celebrate his life, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 3, 2019 at Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston with Pastor Tom Farris officiating.  Memorial gifts in his honor may be made to Carle Hospice and left at the graveside service or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920.

Norman was born March 12, 1932 in Madison County, Illinois, a son of the late Edward and Agnes (Bauer) Schmitt.  He married the love of his life, Donna J. Bell on January 26, 1952, and the celebrated 50 years of marriage prior to her death on April 4, 2002.  Left to cherish their many wonderful memories are his children, Darrell Schmitt and his girlfriend and soulmate Melissa Smith, Terry Schmitt and wife Margie, Gail Rodgers and husband P.J. and Vicky Brookins and husband Jerry, all of Charleston and Randy Schmitt of Tennessee; 8 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren; Mark Cobble with whom Norman shared a father-son relationship; and a brother, Duane Schmitt of Gays, Illinois.  Norman was also preceded by 2 grandsons; two sisters, Lenore Cunningham and Yourth Burke; and a brother, Kenny Schmitt.

Norm was employed with Illinois Consolidated Telephone Company as a technician for 37 years and was instrumental in facilitating the conversion of the dial telephone system to touch tone at Eastern Illinois University.  He was able to retire at the age of 57 and always felt blessed to enjoy 30 years of retirement.

Norm was knowledgeable in the construction field, building three homes of his own, and helping three of his children in the construction of theirs.  He also was blessed with a mechanical ability and could fix just about anything.  Even though Norm enjoyed an occasional cup of coffee with friends at McDonalds, home was where his heart was.  He was happy and content to be at home tinkering with a special project, working outdoors or on the mower.  Norm dearly loved all his family and was an especially great father to his children, giving them the reassurance that they could always call him and rely on his help. He will always be fondly remembered and dearly missed.

Norman’s family would like to extend their appreciation and gratitude to Carle Hospice, and especially to Nurse Kathy, for her wonderful and compassionate care.