Claire Schmitt

Claire M. Schmitt, 93, of McPherson, died Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009, at Memorial Hospital, McPherson.

Claire was born on Aug. 27, 1916, near Fairview, KS, the son of Roy and Dolly (Clemet) Schmitt. He graduated from Marquette High School and attended Kansas Wesleyan University, Salina.

On June 17, 1939, he was united in marriage to Juanita V. Burnison, in Kansas City, MO. She preceded him in death on Feb. 9, 2009.

Claire was a retired maintenance supervisor at the NCRA Refinery, having worked there 38 years. He also served in the United States Railway Mission of Mexico and Latin America during World War II as an advisor to the Mexican government.

Claire was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and active member of the McPherson County Democratic Party. He was a member of Orient Lodge #546, Kansas City, MO; McPherson Lodge #172; York Rite and Scottish Rite Bodies, both of Kansas City, MO and Salina; Past Potentate of Isis Shrine Temple, Camel Herders life member, past president and charter member of Isis Greeters, past president and member of McPherson Shrine Club, past president and charter member of the Mac Minis, member and past patron of Oriental Chapter #58 - Order of the Eastern Star of McPherson, Past Rainbow Dad and member of Grand Cross of Color. He was also a McPherson County Food Bank for over 24 years.

The funeral service will be at 10:30 AM, Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. Burial will be in the McPherson Cemetery. Visitation is from 3:00 to 7:00 PM, Wednesday, at Stockham Family Funeral Home with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

Survivors include: daughter, Marna Wiens and husband, Larry, of McPherson, KS; grandchildren, Dr. Troy Wiens and wife, Chris, of McPherson, KS, Jana Mathis and Mara Mathis, both of Kansas City, MO; great-granddaughter, Claire Wiens of McPherson, KS; son-in-law, David Ross of Gower, MO; and sister-in-law, Peggy Spillman of McPherson, KS. He was preceded in death by his wife, Juanita, daughter, Jan Ross, and four brothers, Don, Jess, Grant, & Clemet.

Memorial donations may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church, McPherson Shrine Club Children's Hospital Fund, or Oriental Chapter #58 - Order of the Eastern Star in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Claire Schmitt please visit our Sympathy Store.