Emmett Albert Schmitt

Emmett Albert Schmitt, 89, of Springfield, a loving husband and father, died at 12:46 p.m. on Monday, June 29, 2015 at St. John's Hospital. Emmett was born February 11, 1926 in Trenton, the son of Emil and Mamie Drees Schmitt. He married Ruth D. Glencross on April 9, 1954 in Queens, New York. Emmett proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during WWII in the Pacific, as well as during the Occupation of Japan. He was among the initial troops in Nagasaki following the Atomic bomb. He earned his bachelor's degree from Washington University in St. Louis, MO and was President of Kappa Alpha, member of the Thurtene Junior Men's Honorary, and Treasurer of Intra Fraternity Council while there. He earned his master's degree in Public Administration from Sangamon State University. He spent 28 years, from 1952 until his retirement in 1980, as Supervisor of the Special Agents in the Springfield Office of the FBI. Following retirement, he worked as a Private Investigator from 1983 to 1986 and was Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Illini Community Bancorp. Emmett was a member of the Elks, Springfield Motorboat Club, and Society of Former FBI Agents, serving a number of years as Chairman of the local chapter. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Emil, Earl and Phillip Schmitt; and a sister, Darlene Snyder. He is survived by his wife, Ruth D. Schmitt of Springfield; sons, Glenn (Deb) of Port Orchard, WA, Ross of Redondo Beach, CA, Kirk of Vancouver, BC, and Colin (Camille) of Winchester, CA; eight grandchildren; one great-grandson; siblings, Doris Schmitt of Trenton, IL, and Richard Schmitt of Lebanon, IL; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center following ceremonies. Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the ceremony at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield with Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating. Private family burial will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Department of Defense. Memorial contributions may be made to: Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 75817, Topeka, KS 66675-8541. Emmett's family wishes to express their thanks to Lewis Memorial Christian Village, Memorial Medical Center, and St. John's Hospice staff for their support and loving care.