Gerald Allen "Gary" Schmitt was born on Oct. 27, 1948, in Rock Island, IL to Wilfred J. and Evelyn M. Coffey Schmitt. He passed away on Thursday morning, Feb. 14, 2013, in Tyler, TX. Mr. Schmitt graduated from Rock Island High School with the class of 1966. He served his country in the U.S. Army during Vietnam having served two tours before being honorably discharged. Mr. Schmitt married Jan Hayslett on Sept. 15, 1973, in Rock Island. He worked in the telecommunication industry as an independent contractor for over 30 years before his retirement. He loved fishing, riding Harleys, and motocross. Mr. Schmitt moved to Lake Murvaul from California. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers-in-law, Don "Chub" Anderson and Jim Brundage.

Mr. Schmitt is survived by his wife, Jan Schmitt of Lake Murvaul; two sons, Fred Schmitt and wife Liz of Rancho Cucamonga, CA and Scott Lang and wife Kristi of Roseville, CA; two daughters, Maggie Schmitt Alkire and husband Rob of Phoenix, AZ and Kim Lang Boggs and husband Dave of Palm Desert, CA; two brothers, Richard Schmitt of Carthage and Ken Schmitt and wife Margie of Corsicana; one sister, Shirley Anderson of Lake Murvaul; one sister-in-law, Ann Brundage of Gun Barrell City, TX; and seven grandchildren, Gabby Boggs, Scott Lang, Hunter Lang, Dylan Schmitt, Meiya Alkire, Riley Schmitt, and Brody Alkire. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends also survive Mr. Schmitt.

A memorial service for Mr. Schmitt will be held in California at a later date. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.