Charles Joseph Schmelzer III

From early childhood to late-stage Alzheimer’s in his 80th year, there was something about Chip that would light up and fill the room. He was a lifter of spirits, an empathizer, a helper and problem solver, and a jokester with legendary charm, self-deprecation and wit. His outgoing nature was blind to social status; he extended his approachability, respect, curiosity, self-confidence and ease to those from all walks of life. Even the crankiest kids or most withdrawn teenagers could not escape Chip’s positive affect... there he would be to effortlessly engage you and find your smiles and laughs. He seemed to always be seeking, and was excellent at finding, a shared sense of humanity with others.

Chip discovered many outlets for this passion for human connection that would shape his life and build his identity. At Southwest high school he was active in choir, law club and theater, was voted “friendliest and most personable” classmate and served as the senior class president of 1963, subsequently leading his class in decades of reunions. At Beloit College he studied philosophy while serving as president of the SAE chapter. Then it was on to the University of Missouri Law School where he met the love of his life, Susan Dunham. After they married and earned their degrees, it was off to Germany where Chip served as an army officer while he and Suzi adventured through Europe for three years. Along the way, he made countless lifelong friends who adored him to the end. Following military duty, Chip and Suzi settled into his longtime family home on Huntington Road in Kansas City, where in 1984 they welcomed their son Jonathan, who gave him another role to enjoy: that of loving, hands-on, and fun dad!

Chip’s professional career was punctuated by his many beloved colleagues, clients and friends he made working as a real estate and estate planning attorney for almost 40 years. Chip continued his family heritage of Kansas City leadership dating back four generations to the city’s founding, serving on the Historic Kansas City Foundation Board, the Union Station Presentation Advisory committee, City Plan Commission, Broadway Westport Council, the Westport Special Business District and the Westport Streetlights Coalition, as well as board chair of the Kansas City Young Audiences. Chip’s leadership style was devoid of vanity which may explain his service on the HOA Board for 28 years, nine as president!

Chip always faced the messiness of life with resolve and good humor. His battle with Alzheimer’s was no different as he fought for his self-preservation with resilience and dignity for many years. Even at the end he still glimpsed the little joys in life: sharing a smile and pleasantries with another person or dancing to the Bee Gees on his final birthday to the delight of residents and staff. As his disease mercilessly stripped away the layers of social complexity that mark the human condition, there at Chip’s core was the same spirit and good nature that colored his entire life.

Chip was many things to many people: a beloved son to Charlie and Mama Char and brother to Little Char; a loving husband to Suzi; a devoted father to his son Jonathan and daughter-in-law Nicole; a grandfather to two loving and curious grandchildren, Felix and Liddie; a nephew, cousin and uncle; a mentor to youth and guardian of elderly; and a friend to so many. He cherished these roles as the joy and purpose of his life. He will be dearly missed by all of us so fortunate to have had him in our own lives. If you wish to honor Chip's memory, please consider a donation at www.alz.org.