Johnnie Howard Schmitz

Obituary For Johnnie Howard Schmitz

Johnnie Howard Schmitz

Johnnie Howard Schmitz, 83, of Bowie, passed away Sunday, October 19, 2025.

A memorial service will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Montague County Cowboy Church, 1600 FM 455, Montague, TX., with Pastor Joe Caballero officiating.

Johnnie was born November 8, 1942, in Durant, OK, to the late Thelma Imogene (Jean) and William (Pat) Schmitz. He attended Carrigan Elementary, Reagan Jr. High, and Wichita Falls High School.

Johnnie was a founding member of the Montague County Cowboy Church and physically helped to build the church. It was said of him, “He truly understood the meaning of church membership.” Additional church projects included the Christ Can Food Bank. The Boys and Girls Club of Wichita Falls and Northwest Texas Field and Stream Association also benefitted from his support.

His work history was varied. He served in the U.S. Navy, active and reserve duty (1960 - 1966); during that time he was initiated as a Trusty Shellback into the “Solemn Mysteries of the Ancient Order of the Deep”. Later in life he was a merchant seaman, grocer for Safeway Foods, cabinet maker, and correctional officer for the Texas Prison System.

Johnnie was preceded in death by wife, Betty Craddock Schmitz of Bowie; parents; brother, William (Bill) Schmitz; sister, Barbara Kay Hollis; and beloved grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Howard A. Clark of Wichita Falls.

Survivors include daughters Tina Leann Field of Bowie and Lisa Joell and husband Larry Dockall of Waco; son, Johnny Wayne and wife Ashley Schmitz of Mobile, AL, six grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren; brother Clark and wife, Lisa, sisters: Joyce Schmitz, Wiletta Langston and sister-in-law Mary Schmitz-Henderson all of Wichita Falls. His passing is mourned by devoted friend, Crystie Riley. May his light continue to shine in the memories of those who knew and loved him.

A special thank you is sent to Moriah Hale of Angels Care Home Health, Bowie, for the excellent care and compassion given during Johnnie’s home care.

Funeral services have been provided by White Family Funeral Home of Bowie, TX. Condolences may be sent to the family at whitefamilyfuneralhome@hotmail.com. For those desiring, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Christ Can Food Bank, C/O Montague County Cowboy Church or The Boys and Girls Club of Wichita Falls, TX.