Dr. Lynn A. Schmitt passed away December 9, 2021.
Lynn was born August 21, 1939 in Liberty, MO to Louis W. and Gladys Schmitt. He
has one older brother Louis Edward, a younger brother, Myron, and a younger
sister, Anita, who all continue to reside in the area.
Lynn was a lifetime resident of the Northland. He was raised in Liberty and was
a 1957 graduate of Liberty High School. Following high school, Lynn attended
William Jewell College, graduating with a degree in Biology. Lynn was then
accepted into the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry,
graduating with a DDS. Lynn was the consummate student, never missing a day of
school (or so he said!) and graduated with honors.
Lynn began his dentistry practice in Topeka, KS while working for the Veterans
Administration. After two years at the VA, he began his private practice on the
north side of the Liberty Square. He practiced at this location until retiring
in 2011.
Lynn’s short work stint at the VA, however, did yield big results on a very
personal level. The VA is where Lynn met his future wife, Sarah (Sally). After a
short engagement, Lynn and Sally were married on July 20, 1968. Lynn and Sally
have three daughters: Kirsten, Saralynn, and Karla. Lynn and Sally lived briefly
in Liberty, MO before buying a farm in Holt, MO in 1972. With a house and 100
acres, Lynn established his prowess as a farmer. Lynn farmed many things
including row crops, cattle, pigs and massive vegetable gardens that could feed
a small army. The primary farming crop, however, was Christmas trees. Lynn,
along with his father and brothers, established a successful business known as
Schmitt Tree Farms, that served the public as a choose and cut tree farm for 52
years. The farm found its highest achievement in 1994 by winning the National
Christmas Tree contest, allowing Lynn and the whole Schmitt clan to take a
Christmas tree to the White House where it stood in the Blue Room.
Lynn had a myriad of other hobbies and interests that ranged from hunting,
fishing, archeology, Native American history and artifacts, traveling, and
reading. Lynn was an avid reader of nonfiction and enjoyed a wide variety of
topics, with history always being near the top of the list.
Lynn and Sally enjoyed life on the farm where they raised their family. While
Lynn was never a huge conversationalist, his wisdom was shared by demonstration.
Lynn led by example. Lynn was the hardest working man around and often started
his day at sunrise, never resting until sundown. He taught the value of hard
work, both physically and academically, always helping to bring out the best in
his children.
Lynn is survived by his wife and daughters, three sons-in-law, Phil Bennett,
Craig Manville, and Craig Bolles as well as nine grandchildren.
A celebration of Lynn’s life is to be held Thursday, December 16, 2021 at
Church-Archer-Pasley Funeral Home in Liberty MO. A visitation will be held
9:30-11:00 am with a service immediately following at 11:00 am. In lieu of
flowers, donations can be made to the Holt United Methodist Church.