Van served in the Navy during WWII. He was a graduate of Texas A&M earning his B.S. in Engineering.
He was a member of First United Methodist Church for over 70 years in Lake Charles. He retired as a Supervisor from Cit-Con Oil Corporation after over 35 years of service. He was a founding member of the La. Choral Foundation. He helped build Millinial Park and when it was destroyed by hurricane Rita, he helped rebuild it. He enjoyed working on Habitat for Humanity Projects and digging with the Arkansas Archeological Society.
Van was a Master Gardener. He enjoyed spending time in his greenhouse and giving away his plants and spending time with his grandchildren. Van was also strong in his Faith. He liked to sing in the Church Choir and go on Mission Trips which included building churches in the U.S., South America and Costa Rica
Those left to cherish his memory are his two sons, Eric Schmutz (Karen) of Frankston, TX and Paul Schmutz (Kelly) of Friendswood, TX; one daughter, Elizabeth Ann Kramer of Moss Bluff, LA; 7 Grandchildren and three Great Grandchildren.
Van is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sybil Gilmore Schmutz; his son David Schmutz.
Visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 21, 2020 from 1pm until the time of service. Memorial Services will follow at 3pm at the Church where Reverend Weldon Bares will officiate. Cremation is entrusted to Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Gilmore and staff, especially Ellendale Gabbert.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Operation Smile, 3641 Faculty Blvd., Virgina Beach, Va 23453 or First Methodist Choir, 812 Kirkman St., Lake Charles, LA 70601 or La. Choral Foundation, P.O. Box 403, Lake Charles, LA 70602.
