Darrell Gene Schmitter

January 26, 1943 – September 11, 2026

Darrell Gene Schmitter, 83 of Higginsville, Missouri, formerly of Schuyler County, Missouri, passed away on Friday, September 11, 2026 at the Kansas City VA Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

The son of Otto Franklin and Neta Pauline (Lasley) Schmitter, he was born on January 26, 1943 in Lancaster, Missouri. Darrell graduated from the Queen City High School in 1961. On December 4, 1965, Darrell married the love of his life, Hazel Jewell Gray and to this union three children were born, Cynthia, Regina and Clinton. They built a beautiful life centered around family, love and devotion.

Darrell is survived by his children, Cynthia Schmitter (Jake Hemmerling) of LaPlata, Missouri and Clinton Schmitter (Tara) of Liberty, Missouri; four grandchildren, Jackie Kincanon (Jason) of Green City, Missouri, Dylan Roberts (Morgan) of Kirksville, Missouri, Cole Lampkin (Calvin) of Kansas City, Missouri and Logan Seever of Liberty, Missouri; six great grandchildren, Baylynn and Bentley Kincanon of Green City, Missouri and Justin, Dawson, Riley and Macie Roberts of Kirksville, Missouri; brothers and sisters-in-law, Helen Lewis (Jeff) of Centralia, Missouri, Mike Gray (Donna) of Lancaster, Missouri, Connie Kethe (John) of Lancaster, Missouri, Pat Gray of Lancaster, Missouri and Carla Tallman (Steve) of Lancaster, Missouri along with many beloved nieces and nephews and many good friends.

Darrell is preceded in death by his parents; his beautiful and loving wife, Hazel on April 4, 1991; infant daughter, Regina Renae Schmitter; two brothers, Larry Franklin Schmitter and Leon Schmitter (Maxine); father and mother-in-law, Lowell and Virginia Gray and one sister-in-law, Bobbi Jo Gray.

Darrell proudly dedicated 31 years to the United States Army, retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant in January 2003 at the age of 60. Before and during his years of service, he also worked for UPS from 1965-1975. His strong work ethic, sense of duty and commitment to serving others were qualities that defined much of his life.

Darrell’s greatest legacy will be the love he gave to his family and the memories he created with those who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family, friends and all whose lives he has touched. Though he has left this earthly life, Darrell’s love, strength and memory will live on in the hearts of his family. His life was one of service, devotion and love and his memory will be cherished for generations to come.

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A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Arni Memorial Cemetery in Lancaster, Missouri at 2:00 p.m. with John Kethe of Lancaster, Missouri officiating. A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. at the Norman Funeral Home in Lancaster, Missouri. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by logging on to normanfh.com. Military Rites will be conducted by the Schuyler County American Legion Post #784. Arrangements are under the direction of the Norman Funeral Home of Lancaster, Missouri.