Robert Joseph “Bob” Schmits, 86 of Francisco, Indiana, passed away on January 22nd, 2026, with his wife of 67 years by his side. Bob was born in Fort Branch on December 11th, 1939, to Jessie and Florence (Pugh) Schmits. He was a 1957 graduate of Fort Branch High School. On November 23, 1958, he and Sharon Wallace were married in a ceremony at Holy Cross Catholic Church.
Bob changed professions several times in his early career. After graduation, Bob began working as a carpenter for a time, until being employed with Emge’s. After working at Emge’s for a few years, he joined Whirlpool’s millwright apprentice program. He left Whirlpool to begin his next career as a surface coal miner at Amax (Ayshire) mine near Oakland City, IN. In 1975, he transitioned to Old Ben #1 in Pike County, where he remained until his first retirement in 1993. During this time, he started his own bulldozer business (Bob Schmits Bulldozer) in addition to his job with Old Ben #1. In 1995, he began his final official career change and joined the Operating Engineers (IUOE Local 181) as a heavy equipment operator, and retired the second time from Industrial Contractors Inc. (ICI) in 2002.
After his true retirement, he enjoyed spending time in his woodshop making furniture for family and friends, working around the 100+ acre homestead, and rebuilding/refinishing antique tractors. He could be spotted in local parades driving his horseless carriage that he built himself. He used his newly-found free time to travel all over the country, and particularly fell in love with the beauty of the western states.
His community involvement and local memberships were extensive. He regularly attended services at the Bethel Memorial Church in Princeton. He was a member of the Gibson County Antique Machinery Club and served as a past president and lifetime board member of the Gibson County Fairgrounds. Bob was a part of UMWA Local 5179, IUOE Local 181, and Mt Carmel Eagles Aerie 3066, for which he served as president to all three groups throughout his life. He was also a 47-year member of Prince Lodge No. 231 Free and Accepted Masons.
Preceding him in death were his parents, daughter Pamela Ann Schmits, brother and sister in-law Charles and Wanda Schmits, brother Kenneth Schmits, father and mother in-law James R. and Beulah Wallace, brother in-law Carl O. Wallace, and son in-law Bill Hunt.
He is survived by his wife Sharon Schmits; son Bobby Schmits (Nora); daughter Janet Allen (Brian); grandchildren Maggie Reece, Lexi Hunt, Hannah Hunt, Isaac Schmits, step-grandchildren Jessica Swick, Ezra Allen, and Olivia Allen; great-grandchildren Harper, Lance, Jaxson, Penny, Sienna, Quinn, and Braxton; sister’s in- law Carole Schmits, Patsy Wallace, and Barbara McEllhiney (Jeff); and his beloved dog Poppy.
A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.
Phyllis (Terry) Saari says
I am so sorry for the loss of Bob. I know he dearly loved his wife and family they had built together. He will be missed by many. See ya later Cuz.
Wayne Ivy says
Sorry for your families loss. I didn’t really know Bob, but I spent many years saying hello to him every Sunday morning at Bethel Memorial Church.
Karen Hughes says
So sorry for your loss. My condolences and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Shane Stewart says
He was an amazing person and if it wasnt for him my baby sister wouldn’t be here today and I’ll be forever grateful to him for that.
Mike Julian says
he was a good man
Karin Wiggins says
Bob was a person when you met him for the first time you knew you would never forget him. He and Sharon always had smiles on their faces and were always eager to share a good story. I always enjoyed hearing about their travels. My heartfelt condolences to Sharon and the rest of the family.
LaLoma L Seibert says
Sorry for your loss he was a very kind and good man