Lawrence "Babe" J Schmitt
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Babe's obituary
Lawrence “Babe” Joseph Schmitt, Jr., 77, of Wheeling passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 30, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Wheeling on July 26, 1947, son of the late Lawrence and MaryKay (Carroll) Schmitt, Sr.
Babe was a graduate of Wheeling Central Catholic HS in 1965, he went on to Graduate from West Liberty State College with a Bachelor's Degree in 1969. He received his Master of Arts Degree from West Virginia University. He taught History at Wheeling Park High School for 30 plus years. Upon retirement he continued to substitute teach for another decade.
Babe had a passion for sports, he was a wrestling coach at the former Triadelphia HS, an assistant football coach at WPHS, and was a past president and coach of the Warwood Redbirds. Like many in the Ohio Valley he followed the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers.
He served as a Wheeling City Councilman for the 1st Ward from 1996 thru 2004 and served on the Municipal Auditorium Board. He also served on the Board at St. John's Children's Home, and was a member of the Warwood Vets where he was past treasure. As a life long Warwood resident, he was honored as the Warwood Lions Citizen of the Year in 2002.
Babe was a member of the Warwood McDonalds Breakfast Club and he was also known for holding court on his back patio dishing out wisdom and maybe a little “BS”.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by, brother Jerome “Jerry” Schmitt, sister-in-law Jayne Schmitt and his God Father and uncle Bishop Bernard Schmitt and other uncles, Fr. Eugene Schmitt, Henry, Bob, Ray and Dick.
Babe is survived by his wife of 52 years, Rebecca “Becky” (Miller) Schmitt; children, Michael Schmitt, Jill Schmitt; treasured grandson, Ethan Palmer; brothers, Gene (Gail), Bill (Carol), Pete; sisters, Susie (Mike) Nau, Patty (Mike) Hartman; brother-in-law, David (Lucy) Miller; sisters-in-law, Jeanne Schmitt Sacco, Molly Kilgore, Tracy Miller; aunt, Marlene Schmitt; 23 nieces, nephews and 43 Great nieces and nephews and several cousins.
Friends and family will be received on Friday, December 6, 2024 from 1 – 7 pm at Kepner Funeral Home, 166 Kruger St. Wheeling (304-242-2311). Services and interment will be at the convenience of the family.
Babe dedicated his entire life to education. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Babe's prized grandson, Ethan Palmer's education fund.
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