Glenn M Schmitt

Glenn M. Schmitt, 87, lifelong Halstead resident and former Halstead mayor, died January 22, 2006 at Memorial Home in Moundridge. He was born February 14, 1918, at Halstead, the son of Daniel T. and Ada Pleasant Schmitt. Both preceded him in death. He married Julia Waunita Wilson at Bentley on August 3, 1943. She survives.

He served as mayor of Halstead from 1965 to 1973. During his tenure as mayor, he worked to secure a new city hall for Halstead, helped plan the city's water improvement, which included a $120,000 300,000 gallon storage water tower and a new water well east of Halstead. In addition he promoted the establishment of new industry in the community, with the overseeing of revenue bonds including those for Skyline, Legg Company, Mobile Components, Patrick Industries, Halstead Nursing Home, DEKALB Research and Russell Ralph Construction. He also supported the construction of a new Main Street bridge, the swimming pool and lighted ball diamonds.

He began his career of volunteer public service in 1950 serving as both fire chief and ambulance chief from 1950 to 1965. He was also the owner/operator of Schmitt Body Shop, Halstead and a rural mail carrier.

He was awarded the Harold Rea Award at the 1972 Old Settlers celebration. He was a 1936 graduate of Halstead High School and was the capatain of the basketball and track teams, quarterback of the football team and senior class president.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, longtime board member of the Little Arkansas River Drainage District, and a National Weather Service observer for more than 25 years. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II and was a member of American Legion Post 231.

In his later years, he enjoyed woodworking and building many blue bird houses.

Survivors: son, Wife ot the home, son, Phil Schmitt, Halstead, daughter Cheryl Jackson, Wichita. one grandchild. He was preceded in death by brothers Erwin and Dale Schmitt and sister, Jean Wedel.

Services were held at Kaufman Funeral Home with burial in Halstead Cemetery.