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Hiawatha, Kansas….Claude Schmille transitioned from this world on Saturday, September 27th. 2025.

Born December 29th, 1933, Claude Schmille was the third of six children born to Carl and Eathel (Farmer) of Wathena, Kansas.  He was preceded in death by four of his five siblings:  Geneve Ashworth, Roselle Slaughter, Charles Schmille, and Henry Schmille.  Kenneth (Bette) Schmille survives.

He attained his Associates Degree in Engineering at Highland Community College after graduating from Wathena High School, followed by two years with the United State Navy Reserve on the USS Dogfish submarine.  Claude decided not to re-enlist and found a career with AT&T leading him to relocate to Wichita.

In his past time he took flying lessons and earned his pilot's license.  Flying small planes was a lifelong passion for him.  His work with AT&T eventually took him to Fairview, Kansas. Residing in Hiawatha, he married his first wife, Dianne Hughes Schmille (deceased) and began a household of four children.  Terry Schmille (deceased), Kristen (Shon) O'Meara, Melissa (deceased) (Neil) Boyer, and Amanda (Johnny) Varnell.  Through the many complexities of a young couple's lives, their marriage did not survive.  He later met his second wife, Karla Needles Schmille, and her son, Robert Gerdes.  They had two sons:  Michael Schmille and Benjamin (Shannon) Schmille.  Claude was preceded in death by Karla and Robert Gerdes.  In 1995, Claude married Naomi Kay Schmille (deceased).

He was active in the Assembly of God Church that transformed his life along the lives of neighborhood kids who he introduced to the Church.  He served as a neighborhood dad while raising two sons.  He developed a never ending love of technology during his 45 years employment at AT&T.  After retiring he spent ten years as a school bus driver.

Claude and Kay enjoyed many trips and events together during 29 years of marriage before her death in 2024.  Her children include Paul Ingram (deceased), Brook Pace, and Philip (Holly) Ingram.  Claude touched the lives of many.  He was cherished by eighteen grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Claude's Eternal Life is planned for 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 30, at the Calvary Temple Assembly of God.  Pastor Jim Farris will officiate.  Private family inurnment will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha, at a later date.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Calvary Temple Assembly of God, sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com