Clement Schmitt

Clement Keith Schmitt, DDS, 82, of Leawood, Kan., husband of Nina L. Schmitt, passed on February 5, 2011. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nina L. Schmitt, his five children, James K. Schmitt, DDS, of Colorado Springs, Colo., Linda S. Sherman, of Columbus, Ohio, David R. Schmitt of St. Joseph, Mo., Cynthia A. Schmitt of Shawnee, Kan., and Richard D. Schmitt of Olathe, Kan., his six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Dr. Schmitt was born on June 23, 1928, in Houston, Texas. He graduated with honors from Loras College, Iowa, with a degree in chemistry. His love of science led him to the University of Texas Dental School from which he graduated in 1952. He then joined the Public Health Service and served his country for the next 13 years. During his years with the Public Health Service, Dr. Schmitt graduated from the residency program in oral and maxillofacial surgery at New York University and later became the director of the Public Health Service's largest maxillofacial surgery training program.

After resigning his commission in 1967, Dr. Schmitt relocated to St. Joseph and joined the Thompson, Brumm & Knepper Clinic. He entered into private practice in 1980 and continued until 1997. He became a professor of surgery with the UMKC School of Dentistry and was subsequently honored with the Elmer F. Pierson Excellence in Teaching Award. Dr. Schmitt retired from the practice of dentistry and teaching in 2008.

Rosary will be prayed at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8, followed by visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64145. Liturgy services outside of Mass and entombment will be private. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Alzheimer's research or the American Cancer Society .