Thomas E. Schmittling

Thomas Schmittling passed away on January 10, 2018 in Centennial, Colorado. Born on December 28, 1935 in Belleville, IL, the son of Agnes Schmittling and William Schmittling. He lived in Los Angeles, Anchorage, Littleton, and Windsor, Colorado. He worked for Mobil Oil, retired to be a restaurateur of Pour La France restaurants in Denver and Fort Collins, Colorado. He then retired from that career to be a Bed and Breakfast Owner\Innkeeper for 20 years in Windsor, Colorado, Finally retiring at the age of 80 in Centennial, Colorado. There are not enough words to describe Tom. He was spiritual, loving, honest, sincere, caring, generous, forgiving and a risk taker. Always giving a hand up, and never a hand out. He loved basketball, baseball, football. He cheered on his children and grandchildren in all their sports. He was a Humanitarian that wanted to make the world, the United States, and his community a better place. He loved gardening and being outdoors, especially traveling and going to far away places to experience other cultures. He loved going to tropical locations, fighting for important causes and standing up for those who had no voice. A Champion of causes, to say the least. He was an animal lover whom had many dogs throughout his life and he took pride in training them. His faithful dog, Rusty was always by his side. He held a deep belief in his Catholic faith. A truly spiritual man. He felt so blessed by God's grace, that he wanted to give back in every way he could. His legacy will be everyone that was touched by his good deeds. That his family, friends, and co workers, neighbors, even those he didn't know would know his sincerity, his honesty, his spirited nature. He was a visionary always wanting to have a better life for his family. He would want to be known for his sensitive nature, his ability to always be positive, to look on the bright side. Believe that one can succeed in life, that it's important to follow your dreams, to work hard and have fun too. Know how to take down time after a job well done. Love one another, to learn the meaning of true forgiveness and always forgive others. Do not harbor ill feelings toward anyone, even your enemies. Communicate, communicate your love. Communicate to resolve issues, Communicate to get ahead in life. Be healthy, active, and appreciate the life you have been given. Always have dreams and challenges. Do not hold your possessions as all important. Always share with others. Think of others. Make someone's life better if only by a small measure. It does not have to be monetary, Give of yourself. Give your love freely. If Tom were here today, to say anything to those attending his service, he would say: ""Thank you for coming. I want you to know that I will be doing Gods work in Heaven. I am so happy to have had you in my life. I know I have made a difference in the lives of wife,my children, grandchildren, great grandchildren's and all who have known me. Be honest and direct with people and be careful not to offend. Be respectful of others feelings, beliefs, and property. Retain a high moral standards. That no one would believe any ill words said against you would be true. Be brave and courageous, follow your passion in life. That you know the meaning of a good education, a good work ethic, and always a spiritual connection with God,. Treat others fairly in life. Hug, love, share. Share your heart, your thoughts and emotions with others. Be a wise risk taker. Find the humor in life. Play, Be happy."" Thomas is survived by wife Marneth Schmittling; sons Mark and Kenneth Schmittling; daughter Kimberly Peck; grandsons Zach, Spencer, Kenny Ray, Tanner, Ryan Schmittling, and Jack Peck; granddaughters, Stefanie Peck, Melissa and Emma Schmittling; great-granddaughter Teegan Schmittling and great-grandson, Conor Schmittling. Thomas was preceded in death by His mother Agnes Schmittling; father, William; brothers, William Jr. and James; sisters, Mary Lou, Therese, and Dolores. A Vigil Service will be held on Sunday, January 21, 2018 at 6pm. A Catholic Mass will be held to celebrate his life at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Parish, 2375 East Arizona Avenue, Denver, 80210, on Monday, January 22nd at 11:00 am, followed by a burial at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard, Denver Colorado at 1pm. There will be a reception at the Southridge Recreation Center, 4800 McArthur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch, 80130 (second floor), on Monday, January 22, from 1-4pm. Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Thomas Schmittling to Nativity Catholic School, 944 W 56th St, Los Angeles, CA, 90037 and Unbound, A Christian Children's Foundation, 1 Elmwood Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas 66103. Please share memories of Tom, and condolences with his family, by signing the guestbook at HoranCares.com