Charles Dale Schmitz

Dr. Charles D. Schmitz, 78, of Saint Louis, Missouri, passed away on June 14.  Married on August 27, 1966, Charley and Liz had 58 glorious years of marriage together.

Dr. Charles D. Schmitz was a highly successful faculty member and administrator in higher education for 37 years.  He was Dean Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of Counseling and Family Therapy at the University of Missouri - St. Louis. Previously, he was a Professor of Counseling Psychology and Higher and Adult Education at the University of Missouri - Columbia and was Professor of Counseling and Dean at Baylor University. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Missouri–Columbia. He graduated proudly from Chamois High School.

During his distinguished career he received over 70 awards and honors; published 17 books, and nearly 2000 articles and manuscripts; delivered over 950 public speeches, professional presentations, and workshops; appeared frequently on radio and television; and traveled throughout the world on all 7 continents.

Some of the awards and honors he received included: Teacher of the Year, Outstanding Educator Award and selection to the Directory of Distinguished Americans.  He was the former Editor of the Journal Teacher Education and Practice. He was most proud of receiving the Award for Outstanding Achievement and Meritorious Service to Education from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1998 and in 2011 and the Mission Award from the Gallup Organization in 1991.  On April 20, 2007 he was honored by the faculty of the College of Education with the prestigious Medal of Distinction for Sustained and Distinguished Contributions in Higher Education Leadership. His service on boards, commissions, and advisory groups are too numerous to mention, but demonstrate significant leadership in marriage and family relationships, the education of children, community collaboration and partnership, and technology innovation and implementation.

Together, Charley and Liz authored 7 books on relationships and marriage which won numerous awards including: Eric Hoffer Book Awards Gold Medal, Mom's Choice Awards Gold Medal, Nautilus Book Awards Silver Medal, Indie Book Awards Gold Medal, USA Book News National Best Book Award, and finalist in the International Book Awards.  He was so proud that our work together helped others learn how to have lasting relationships.

Charley was passionate about his Cardinals, traveling, photography, Missouri, wine, world news and communicating with friends. He was an amazing husband who always put his family first above all else.  He is survived by his wife Dr. Elizabeth A. Schmitz, sister Karen Barton, brother-in-law Michael Barton, nephew David Barton and wife Debra, cousin Ann Phillips, daughter Dr. Kay Segal and grandchildren Hudson and Hope Havenhill. Charley was the son of Julius F. Schmitz and Mabel Uthe Schmitz.

You are invited to the visitation at Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home, 12444 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, MO on Thursday, June 20 from 3 to 6 PM and the burial in Fredericksburg Cemetery in Morrison, MO on June 21 at 11:00 AM. Memorials may be made to Fredericksburg Cemetery Association of Morrison, MO or the Saint Louis Zoo.