Thomas Edward Schmitt of San Tan Valley, Arizona entered eternal rest on Friday, November 25th at the age of 64. After a year and a half battle with cancer, Tom passed away peacefully with his family by his side.
Tom was born in Hobbs, New Mexico on January 18th, 1958, to Lawrence and Lucy Schmitt. After graduating high school in 1976, Tom attended college at the University of Arizona. He then began to work for the newspaper industry and worked for Gannett Corporation for nearly 30 years, with many of those years as a circulation manager. During that time, he met the love of his life, Kathy. Tom and Kathy were married for 35 years and went on to have three children: Serina, Colleen, and Ryan. Throughout the years, Tom’s love for sports led him to become an umpire and referee for more than 20 years.
While Tom loved his family dearly, perhaps one of his greatest joys was watching his beloved football team the Dallas Cowboys. He loved watching his favorite team with his family and friends. Football Sundays were often spent crafting his fantasy lineup followed by his signature statements of “Go Cowboys!” and “Yeah Baby!” Tom knew how to light up the room with his loveable and larger-than-life personality. People were instantly drawn to him. Tom was an amazing husband, son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, colleague, and friend. He will truly be missed and will never, ever, be forgotten.
Tom is survived by his three brothers, Larry Schmitt (Jo Gaye Schmitt) of Hobbs, NM, Kenny Schmitt (Susan Schmitt) of Hobbs, NM, and Marvin Schmitt (Susie Schmitt) of Austin, TX; his beloved wife, Kathy Schmitt of San Tan Valley, AZ; his daughters, Serina Myers (Owen Myers) of Queen Creek, AZ and Colleen Schmitt of Chandler, AZ; his son, Ryan Schmitt of Tempe AZ; his three grandchildren, Quintin, Alyscia and Isabelle Myers of Queen Creek, AZ; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Tom is preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Schmitt, his mother, Lucy Schmitt, and his sister, Patricia Clark.
There will be a visitation held at San Tan Mountain View Funeral Home (21809 South Ellsworth Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142) on December 8, 2022 from 5-8 pm. The funeral service will be on December 9 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church (20615 E. Ocotillo Rd, Queen Creek), followed by a reception and celebration of life (location to be determined).