Robert Bob Dean Schmit

1948 - 2021

Robert Bob Dean Schmit

March 26th, 1948 - May 1st, 2021

Robert Bob Dean Schmit, 73, passed away unexpectedly the morning of May 1st, 2021.

Bob is survived by his wife, Lynette Schmit, of 30 years; children, Kiley (Sherry) Schmit, Kelsie (Andy) Thelander, Kori (Jon) Sprintz; step-children: Jenny (Ernie) Jimenez, Carey (Mike) Fox, Craig (Sondra) Hieber; twelve grandchildren and one great grandchild. Siblings, Barbara Sontheimer, Mary Van Balen, and Douglas Schmit. Bob was preceded by his parents, Margaret and Leo Schmit, and his sister, Pat Holland.

Bob was born in Pierre, South Dakota on March 26th, 1948. He graduated from Riggs High School, Class of 1967. Shortly after graduating high school, he enlisted in the Army. He became a pilot for the 135th Attack Helicopter Company and fought in the Vietnam War. He was deemed a true war hero when he brought his crew down safely after being shot through both legs. Bob was awarded the Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal. It was in South Dakota where he met his first wife, Diane.

In 1974, Bob moved to Arizona with his family. In his younger years, he spent his free time skydiving with friends, riding horses, and team roping. Bring your child to work day meant his children got to sit on his lap while crop dusting. He co-owned and operated Schmit Aviation with his brother, Doug, and spent many years crop dusting across the region. Bob then started Wings, Inc., a private charter flight service, and spent his days flying lucky individuals to the neighboring states in between golf trips with buddies.

In 1993, Bob married Lynette, and gained three children - Jenny, Carey, and Craig. He resided in Yuma for the remainder of his life where he was the life of the party in every crowd. He loved telling stories, and he always had the best ones, because he lived them. He lived life on his own terms. Bob was an avid golfer, and he enjoyed finding betting opportunities at every stroke. He also served, twice, as President of the Yuma Golf and Country Club, where he spent most of his time in the company of his best friends. Bob lived life to the fullest, and he was never afraid to push the envelope or take chances. He was funny, generous, kind, and loved by so many. Bob was a devoted father, loving husband, and true friend to all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 pm Sunday, May 9th, 2021 at Yuma Golf and Country Club,

3150 S. Fortuna Ave., Yuma, AZ 85366.

In true Bob fashion, we will fly by the seat of our pants and seize the opportunity to make new friends in a casual setting ...and raise a glass to a great man.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the go fund me page Find Emily Hieber to support the search for Bob's granddaughter, missing since 2013.

Please sign the guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/yumasun