Kenneth (Ken) George Schmutzler and his twin sister Judy were born on May 21, 1943, to Kenneth George “Doc” Schmutzler and Edith (Rolando) Schmutzler in Springfield, MO. When his father returned from military service, the family moved to Florissant, MO, where Doc taught at the Logan Chiropractic School and Ken’s sister Vicki was born. The family then moved to West Palm Beach, Florida, where young Ken spent two years exploring the beaches, ocean, docks, and boats in his neighborhood.

Another move brought the family back to his parent’s hometown of Benld, IL, where Doc had a chiropractic practice. Ken attended school in Benld, where he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gigging frogs with friends and cousins on his aunt’s and uncle’s farms.  The family moved to West Plains, MO, where Ken attended his senior year and graduated high school. These adventures began Ken’s life-long love of the outdoors and nature.

After high school graduation, Ken attended the University of Missouri at Rolla and at Columbia, where he met and married Sharon Falter on Aug. 28, 1965, and to this union two children were born, Jill and Sandra. He graduated from Rankin to begin his career as an electrician. During this time, they moved from St. Louis to O’Fallon, MO, and later to Winfield, MO, where this marriage ended in divorce.

Ken met Fayette Rue Witten, and they married on July 23, 1995. Ken and Fayette both enjoyed fishing and boating; they loved the outdoors and being together. While no children were born to this union, Fayette’s children Chris and Jenny joined Ken’s daughters Sandra and Jill in family events and activities. Jenny lived in their home in O’Fallon, finishing high school and then attending college in Springfield, MO.

Ken and Fayette traveled to visit family as they had time between work and activities. They enjoyed going floating and fishing. Ken especially enjoyed the trips that included fishing or hunting.  He loved family gatherings and get-togethers with friends, where the guys would get their guitars, banjos, and violins and play and sing. After Ken retired from Monsanto in St. Peters, MO, they built a house in Golden, MO, where Ken resided for the rest of his life. He had wanted to retire, “where I can fish every day if I want to.”

Ken loved the Lord and was thankful for his family and friends as he saw them all as blessings in his life. Ken loved to use his skills and time to help others. He would install and fix electrical fixtures and appliances in friend’s and family’s houses; he mowed and worked outside at his church with the yard crew, and he adjusted the neighborhood boat dock during high and low waters on the lake. He loved the times spent fishing on the dock or in the boat with family and friends (swimming or floating in tubes when it was too hot to fish), followed by frying up some crappie afterwards or grilling some burgers. He was always eager to send everyone home with some of his catch — frozen fish from the freezer! Each year, Ken anxiously awaited his hunting trips as well, both turkey and deer hunting, and he loved to share the pictures and stories of those events with everyone.

Late in the evening on Mon., Jan. 15, 2024, following open heart bypass surgery, Ken, age 80, entered into his eternal home to be with his Lord and Savior. In the days before surgery, he had been talking and visiting with family and friends, always reminding them whatever is the Lord’s will.

Ken leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Fayette of the home; two daughters: Jill Maddux (Herb) of Elkland, MO, and Sandra McGuire of Affton, MO; one step-son: Chris Witten of Florida; one step-daughter: Jennifer Witten of Allen, TX; one sister: Vicki Gregory (Gaylord) of West Plains, MO; five grandchildren: Sean McGuire of St. Charles, MO, Josh Hostetler (Ashley) of Springfield, MO, Jeremy Hostetler of Springfield, MO, and Donovan and Jaxson of Allen, TX; one great grandbaby: Alice; two nephews: Terry Cordum (Shelly) of Cotter, AR, and Vincent Gregory of Miami Beach, FL;  one niece: Sue Stromsland (Pete) of Gillespie, IL; and other relatives, friends, and hunting and fishing buddies.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, sister Judy Cordum, and brother-in-law Kenny Cordum.

Though our hearts are heavy, and our world is a little dimmer without Ken’s warm smile, friendly laugh, and outdoor tips, we know that Ken is home, safe in the arms of God until we see him again.

The memorial service for Ken will be at the Holiday Island Presbyterian Church in Holiday Island at 11:00 on Sunday, January 28.   

In place of flowers, please donate to Holiday Island Presbyterian Church in Kens’ name.