Walt Schmitz – Walter Henry Schmitz was born October 21st, 1928 in Havre, Montana and passed away Tuesday March 13th, 2018 at age 89 in Fort Worth, Texas. MEMORIAL SERVICE: Viewing will be held at Calvary Hill Cemetery in Dallas Texas from 4:00pm to 7:00pm Sunday March 18th with services to be held at Calvary Hill Cemetery Monday March 19th at 2:00pm.
Walt was raised in Ellensburg, Washington where he found his love for flying at age 14 at Bowers Field. Walt was an Air Force Captain serving in the Korean War as a fighter pilot, transport pilot, and test pilot. While serving his Country Walt graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Texas in Austin in 1958. After leaving the Air Force in 1959 Walt began his career as a civilian test pilot for General Dynamics in Fort Worth, Texas. In 1969 Walt went on to be a Captain for many corporations and individuals throughout the world. Walt was awarded the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Achievement Award for 50 years of exemplary service in 2008. Walt served the Lord Jesus Christ as a lifelong Catholic.
Walt is proceeded in death by the love of his life Patricia Cecilia Schmitz to whom he was married for 50 years until her passing 2000. Additionally, Walt lost his beloved granddaughter Samantha Maynard in 2015. Walt is survived by his children, son Paul Thomas Schmitz of Fort Worth, Texas and daughter Ann Maynard of Snohomish, Washington, son in law Jeff Maynard, and grandchildren Joshua Maynard, Justin Maynard, Jordan Maynard.