Offering the Best in Funeral Service

(Lewis) Howard Schmitt, loving husband to Karen Edberg Schmitt, father of three daughters, grandfather of two grandchildren, and beloved older brother to two siblings, died early Wednesday, March 16, 2016, in Winchester, surrounded by his loving family. He was 76.
Howard was born February 24, 1940, in Columbus, Ohio, the first son of the late Henry Howard Schmitt and Alice English Schmitt. Howard and his siblings grew up near Westgate Park in Columbus, Ohio, where they spent a great deal of their time. The Lutheran church was an integral part of their family life.
In Winchester, Howard and his wife of 53 years, were members of First Presbyterian Church at the time of Howard’s passing. Howard also attended services at Grace Lutheran Church, where he volunteered and later served on staff as assistant treasurer. This was a role he filled with joy through the end of his life. Howard experienced and cultivated a lifelong personal relationship with God.
In December 1963, Howard graduated from Ohio State University, with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. In May 1986, Howard received his Master’s Degree of Business Administration from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, taking night classes and studying after his three children had gone to bed and while he was working for Abex, Dennison. He retired from Federal Mogul, in Winchester, Virginia, in 2008. He was admired and respected by his co-workers and employees alike. He was a mentor, great friend and beloved by all.
Howard was an early riser, who enjoyed peaceful mornings, regular workouts, and afternoon walks with his dog. He continued to nurture his love of learning by taking classes at Lord Fairfax in courses ranging from calculus to art history.
He especially cherished summers with his grandchildren, who adored him. He was thoroughly dedicated to his wife and children. He provided love, guidance, and strength not only with his words but also by his actions. He was a man of great integrity. He never missed a school play, swim meet or a softball game. He met his children wherever they were in life.
His family cherished his robust and unique laugh, his gentleness, kindness, and his unconditional acceptance of everyone. He was fun to tease because he could laugh easily at himself; his brother Ed was particularly good at making him do so.
Howard is survived by his wife, Karen, his daughters Victoria Schmitt, Melissa (Mark Carrillo) Schmitt and Amanda (Joseph) Rivera; his brother Edward (Edie) Schmitt, his sister Marialice (Jon) Bennett; beloved grandchildren, Claire Carrillo, 12, Jack Rivera, 4, and a granddaughter due this May; nephews, Jay, Vincent and Bryan; and nieces, Nicole, Beverly and Renee.
A Service of Thanksgiving for Howard will be held at Grace Lutheran Church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 19, 2016, with a reception to follow the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions or donations can be made to Jubilee Kitchen, First Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Loudon Street, Winchester, Virginia, 22601 or Team Grace, Grace Lutheran Church, 26 W. Boscawen Street, Winchester, Virginia 22601