Thomas Michael "Tom" Schmitz

Thomas M. Schmitz, 80, of Union, Ky. passed away peacefully on February 28, 2025. Born on June 19, 1944, in Norwalk, Ohio, He made Kentucky his home in 1973.
Tom served in the Navy from June 1962 until 1966. His military service took him to various countries in the Pacific. He served two tours in Vietnam aboard the USS Oriskany as a meteorologist, charting at the weather patterns for his aircraft carrier. That love of weather remained a hobby for him the rest of his life.
Following his military service, he became a carpenter and working with wood became another hobby. He also spent several years as a long distant truck driver. Both occupations coupled with his love of weather and history kept his retirement years busy.
Tom is survived by his wife, Cathy of 52 years, his children Michael (Jamie), Thomas J. (Connie), and daughter Catherine (Mark) Decker, 5 grandchildren: Taylor, Will, Ryan, Tanner and Mason. He is also survived by his brother, David. Tom was predeceased by his parents and 3 sisters all of Ohio.
A private service to honor Tom and his service to the US Navy will be held at the VA cemetery in Williamstown, Ky.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of his favorite charities: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN or the Wounded Warrior Project.