M. Owen Schmitt Sr.

M. Owen Schmitt, Sr., 84, of Louisville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 29, 2024. He was born in Louisville, KY, on June 9, 1940, son of the late Verna Marie and Henry A. Schmitt.
Owen grew up in St. Matthews and graduated from Trinity High School in 1958, where he was senior class president and excelled in basketball, baseball, track and was captain of the football team. For the rest of his life he proudly attended Shamrock football games with his wife, Vivian, by his side. He threw the javelin for both Bellarmine University and the University of Louisville, graduating from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in 1964.
During college and dental school Owen also coached Our Lady of Lourdes Parish School 7th and 8th grade football team, taking them to the Toy Bowl championship game.
As a new dentist, Owen signed onto the U.S. Public Health Service, serving American Indians reservations in Arizona and North Dakota. For the next 32 years Owen practiced dentistry in Hikes Point, retiring in 1999. He continued to serve for several more years, volunteering at the Schuhmann Center and providing dental care at Family Health Centers.
Family was most important. In high school Owen met the love of his life and future wife, Vivian Lee Determann, who survives him. In their 62 years of marriage they raised four children: Michael Schmitt (Marci), Mark Schmitt (Angie), Matthew Schmitt (Liz), and Michelle Doheny (Brian). His eleven grandchildren and eight (soon to be ten) great grandchildren were a constant source of happiness. In addition to his guidance, support and love, Owen was a regular fixture at every sporting event, school activity, and the many celebrations they participated in over the years.
Owen is also survived by a brother, Francis Joseph Schmitt (Ann), sisters-in law Marilyn Schmitt and Judy Schmitt, and several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are brothers, Henry Andree Schmitt and Louis Charles Schmitt, and a sister, Rosanna McCann Buckley (Frank), in addition to his parents.
Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Friday, January 3rd, at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 6500 St. Bernadette Avenue, with burial in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation is Thursday from 3-7 p.m. at Ratterman's, 3711 Lexington Road.
The Schmitt family would like to thank the Hosparus Health team for their kind and loving care.
Expressions of sympathy in lieu of flowers may be made to the charity of your choice.