Robert E. Schmelter, Jr.

Robert Eugene Schmelter, Jr., 79, of Litchfield, passed away Monday, January 13, 2020 at 11:15 a.m. at his home.  Born July 18, 1940 in East St. Louis, IL. A son of Robert Eugene and Gladys Deana (White) Schmelter, Sr.  Mr. Schmelter was a Veteran serving in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.  He married the former Donna Lea Howard on April 1, 1976 in Greenville, IL and she survives.

Mr. Schmelter was retired from International Paper Co / CPC Rexel where he was a maintenance mechanic for over 20 years.   Mr. Schmelter and his wife Donna owned and operated B&D Military Surplus in downtown Litchfield for several years. 

Mr. Schmelter was a member of the Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield, a life member of the VFW Post 3912, and the Litchfield Moose Lodge 1634, and a life member of the NRA. He enjoyed woodworking, Gunsmithing, Collecting Knives and guns, taking target practice and he loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to his wife Donna, Mr. Schmelter is survived by a son, Robert E. Schmelter, III of Corpus Christi, Tx., a Daughter, Susan (John) Stewart of Worden, IL., a brother, GySgt David (June) Schmelter, USMC Retired of Jacksonville, NC., two sisters Janet Hanna of Exton, PA and Brenda Beljanski of Granite City, IL.   Three Grandchildren; Robert Dylan Schmelter, Brittney (Thomas) Rydberg, and Amanda Bess.  Three Great Grandchildren: Avery, Thomas and Bennett.

Mr. Schmelter is preceded in death by his parents, and a daughter Elizabeth Jane Schmelter.

Graveside funeral services will be conducted Thursday, January 16, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Elm Lawn Cemetery in Litchfield.  Because of parking arrangements at Elm Lawn, a funeral procession will line up at the Plummer Funeral Home at 10:45 a.m.  Military Honors will be paid by VFW Post 3912 and U.S. Air Force Funeral Honors team of Scott Air Base. There will be no visitation. The family suggests memorials to the Litchfield Food Pantry or the Litchfield Veterans Memorial Garden.

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