ENS Schmitt became a Naval Aviator on August 26,1966 at HT-8, NAS Ellyson Field, Pensacola, Florida. ENS Schmitt was Navy Helicopter Pilot Designator R-8574.
John Hunter Schmitt of Scottsdale, Arizona passed away peacefully at the age of 79 on Saturday,
December 23, 2023 at home in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born July 10, 1945 in Seattle Washington. John
is survived by his wife of 11 years, Penny Schmitt ; his sister Nancy Owen (Keith); his brother Alec
Schmitt (Stephanie); his daughters Carmen Schmitt ( Merv Sheffet), Kirsten Schmitt (Aaron Stanton),
and Jennifer Lafrenz (Grayson Lafrenz) and nephew Micah Schmitt.
Beloved Grandchildren Bridgette Keigwin, (Kevin), Jessica Suarez (Lucas), Emery Schmitt, Daisy Schmitt,
Ryder Lafrenz, and Archie Lafrenz will all cherish the memories of their Grampa.
John was blessed and did get to meet his precious Great Grandchildren : Levi Keigwin and Ozzy Suarez.
John also had Step-children through Penny; Justin Beazley (Joy), Heather Bantz (Andrew), Jenni Bridgers
(Harry), and Christi Kirkland (Dan); step-grandchildren Taygen Bantz, Bo Bantz, Mikey Beazley, Adrienne
Beazley, Alexis Beazley, Isaiah Burt, and Maiya Kirkland and great grandchildren Neiko, Luna and Kya,
Maliyah and Anthony.
“Old pilots don’t die, they just fly higher!”
John loved flying. He began his career in the air as a Helicopter Pilot Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy before
becoming a Captain of 747s for United Airlines. John became an Aviation Safety Inspector at the Federal
Aviation Administration, Chief Check Pilot at U.S. Park Police, and a Flight Instructor at Simcom
International before finally retiring.
For years, John has sponsored a child through Compassion International. In lieu of flowers, please
consider continuing his legacy by making a donation to Compassion International. . John will be greatly
missed by his friends and family.
Services will take place at Christ’s Church of the Valley on Monday, January 22, 2024 at 12:00 P.M. (19030
N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85255), followed by a military funeral honors ceremony at 1:30 P.M. at
National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix, Arizona located at 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, Arizona
85024
John Hunter Schmitt Obituary – Phoenix, AZ (dignitymemorial.com)
Fair Winds and Following Seas LT Schmitt.