Obituary of Robert Leo Schmeltz

Bob Schmeltz of Dallas, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2023 at the age of 92. Bob was born on February 15, 1930 in Kansas City, Kansas. After graduating from Jesuit Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, MO., he met the love of his life, Joan Wiederholt and, after serving in the US Army in the Korean War, returned home and married his sweetheart for life on April 18th, 1953 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Kansas City. In 1956, his life-long love of flying brought him to Dallas to fly for Braniff Airways. He and Joan fearlessly left their hometown to start a new life in Dallas. They were charter members of the community of Mary Immaculate Church in Farmers Branch, breaking ground on the new parish church in 1958. There, they met numerous life-long friends through their involvement in the St. Joseph’s Guild and the Knights of Columbus. They were focused, and spiritually committed to the Catholic education of their children, all six going to Mary Immaculate, Ursuline Academy and Dallas Jesuit. He often said the years that followed were the happiest of his life. He felt proud and blessed to have a job he loved so much – and will always remember and cherish the great friends he had at “The Flying Colors” of Braniff International. He was very active – golfing, running, softball and taking his kids to lakes all over to enjoy skiing and fishing. His love of flying spread to his three sons, all becoming career airline pilots: John with American Airlines, Tom with Delta Airlines and Paul with United Airlines – for a combined family total of 134 years of flying.

The most important thing Bob passed down though, was his love and commitment to his wife and six children, which, as it turned out, was the greatest gift of all. That gift he gave was one of example, not by what was said, but what was shown. The examples of devotion were his faith, commitment to his wife and kids, and his kindness and friendship to all those around him.

The truly divine expression was the devotion and love he had for his sweetie “Joanie”. Such a beautiful marriage was theirs, together facing the challenges and sometimes sadness of raising six children, all the while steadfastly remaining true to their shared devotion to each other. Bob passed peacefully with Joanie at his side and, while his next breath was in the eternal life, their love and devotion to each other will remain.

“ I am the resurrection and the life: whoever believes in me, though he should die, will come to life: and whoever is alive and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11: 25-26

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Gerry and Ella Schmeltz of Kansas City, his sister, Mary Anne Schmeltz of Kansas City, and his youngest son Paul (Sonia) of Dallas. He is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years Joan, daughter Terri Feuerborn (Chris) of Louisburg, KS., son John (Kathy) of Dallas, daughter Judy Evans (Mike) of Rowlett, TX., daughter Barbara Newey (Mike) of Austin, TX. and son Tom of Dallas. He is also survived by his adored 16 grandchildren and his 21 great-grandchildren.

The rosary will be prayed Feb.14th at Mary Immaculate Church in Farmers Branch at 9:30am, followed by a celebration mass at 10:00am. Bob will later be inured in the columbarium at Mary Immaculate Church beside his beloved son Paul.

 

The following organizations were of special importance to Bob. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either Mary Immaculate School, Town North YMCA, Scottish Rite Hospital or the St. Vincent de Paul Society.