Paul Joseph Schmitt, 91, of Abilene, Kansas, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2025. He was born on March 16, 1934, in Kinsley, Kansas, to Alfons N. and Hildegard J. Schmitt.After graduating from Kinsley High School, Paul joined the Army in 1953 and served 2 1/2 years. Paul met his future wife Iris Mae Truan of Walker, KS, at a cousin’s wedding and married Iris on September 7, 1957. The Schmitt family moved to Abilene in 1967. They raised three sons, Steven P., Michael D., and Gregory L. They were married 67 years.
Paul enjoyed a long career in the USDA’s Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) where he served as District Director of 13 counties in Kansas. He always had a great interest in agriculture and farming, so it was a fitting career. Paul retired from the ASCS after 34 years and spent many of his retired years as a crop adjustor for various insurance companies. Paul also served on the Board of Directors at Abilene Memorial Hospital for several years.
Paul loved the outdoors and had many hobbies, which included wood working, golf, hunting, fishing, trap shooting, bird dogs and field trials, gardening and roses, just to name a few. He was always busy and preferred to stay active.Paul’s true love was his family and grandchildren. He never passed up an opportunity to get together with family and friends and was available to lend advice or help, if needed. Paul was a member of the St. Andrews Catholic Church and had a deep faith.Paul is preceded in death by his son Michael, parents, brothers Harold, Alfred and LaVern, and sister Jane. He is survived by his wife, Iris of Abilene, brother Charles, sister Phyllis, sons Steven (Sonnie) of Olathe, KS, Gregory (Lisa) of Fleming Island, FL and daughter in law Leona Schmitt (John Tomich) of Auroa, CO, and grandchildren Samantha, Garrett, Skyler (Sydnee), Makayla, Connor, Bryson and Troy.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 311 S. Buckeye, Abilene, KS 67410, beginning with a Rosary at 10:45 AM, followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. A luncheon and visitation will be held after the funeral service in the church hall next door. A private family burial will be held at the same day at Mount Saint Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to St. Andrew Catholic school or Hospice of Dickinson County. They may be sent to the care of Danner Funeral Home, 501 N. Buckeye Street, Abilene, KS 67410.