Wilson Little Funeral Home
Purcell-Newcastle, McClain Co., OK

Steve passed away Saturday, October 17, 2020, in Oklahoma City. Stephen Edward Schmitz was born March 12, 1945 in Lexington, Oklahoma. He was the youngest of four children born to Theodore Edward Schmitz and Dorothy Johanna (Ille). Steve grew up a farm boy in Lexington and graduated from Lexington High School in 1963. After high school, he attended one year of trade school, studying mechanics. Steve married Connie Lynne Brown of Purcell on February 11, 1968. They were married in Lexington and remained living in Lexington until 2007, when they moved to Purcell. In 1964, Steve started working for Santa Fe Railroad. He retired after a 26 year career as a clerk in the Oklahoma City office. A year after retiring from the railroad, Steve started another 25 year career working for McClain County Conservation District in Purcell as a Conservation Technician. He loved his job and enjoyed visiting with farmers and ranchers about their land and water conservation needs. Steve retired May 1, 2020, from the conservation district.

His greatest joy was his family. He loved following his daughter in all of her activities and sporting events.Then later known as Papa, he enjoyedfollowing his two granddaughters in their activities and sports. He particularly loved all the softball games. Throughout his life, Steve loved being outdoors and working with his hands. When he was younger, he enjoyed working with his Dad on the farm, raising cattle and farming. This remained a hobby for him for most of his life. He also enjoyed doing carpentry work and building things. He was a handy man when it came to welding and tinkering on things in his shop. Steve, also, enjoyed doing yard work and was an avid OU football fan. He and Connie enjoyed traveling with friends. In 2018, for their 50th Anniversary, they visited Alaska, which completed their visiting all 50 states.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Theo and Dorothy Schmitz; his daughter Kimberly Ann Schmitz on Aug.2, 2002; two sisters,Marilyn Dunlap and Pat Kozik.

He is survived by his wife, Connie of the home; his granddaughter Morgan Paige Lathan and family of Lexington; Danie Denise Osage of Hugo, great granddaughter, Zayleigh Faith Carman of Lexington, one brother, John Schmitz of Purcell, brother-in-law, Steve Brown and Karen of Purcell, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Thursday, October 22, at the First Baptist Church in Lexington. Interment will be at Hillside Cemetery in Purcell.