Funeral service for SFC (Retired) Jimmy Schutte will be 1:00 P.M. Friday, January 20, 2017 at Faith Bible Church with Rev. Leonard Reimer, pastor officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home.

Burial with full military honors will be in Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin, Oklahoma at a later date.

SFC (Retired) Jimmy Schutte, age 81, of Lawton, passed away Monday, January 16, 2017 in Lawton.

Jimmy Schutte was born December 31, 1935 in Batesville, Indiana to John Irvin and Evelyn Moody. He spent his early years in Indianapolis, Indiana before graduating from Deland-Weldon High School in Deland, Illinois. During his summers he worked on various local farms as well as for the Collier Players Tent Theater.

He met Linda Belle Smith at the movie theater in Monticello, Illinois in 1955. They married August 31, 1956 and he joined the US Army in February 1957. He served tours in Korea and Vietnam and was stationed in numerous locations around the United States and Europe. Jimmy received the Bronze Star and many other citations while serving his country. He retired from the Army in November 1978.

Jimmy, Linda and their 4 children made Lawton their home beginning in October 1975 until his death.

Jimmy served as President of the VVA Chapter 751, as a board member of the Korean War Veterans Association, AMBUCS Ramp Administrator, a member of VFW, as well as numerous other organizations. He was appointed to the Governor's Council of Veterans Affairs under Governor George Nigh.  He was a faithful member of Faith Bible Church, Lawton.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Linda Schutte. His children: Jeffry Schutte (Cheri) of Lawton; Beth Traina of Bonham, Texas; Janelle Jones (Terry) of Lawton and Jeryldine Schutte-Pogue (Pamela) of Elgin. Son-in-law Ronald Edgar of Fletcher. Grandchildren: Robin Moore of Lawton; Tiffany Atchley (Brian) of Bonham, Texas; Rachel Edgar and Jacob Edgar of Elgin. Great grandchildren:  Dustin and Kaylee Moore of Lawton, Camryn and Kadyn McCarley of Bonham, Texas; Kaylen and Holden Atchley also of Bonham. Sisters: Sue Stewart of Indianapolis, Indiana and Janelle Reid of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Jimmy was proceeded in death by his parents, grandson Dustin, granddaughter Kelly and son-in-law Ross Traina.

Jimmy overcame a difficult childhood as well as various trials and tribulations to live a life of service. He had a deep love for his family, his God, his Country and selling pancake days tickets for AMBUCS. His never-ending optimism was contagious and his "just great" attitude was infectious. His sparkle will truly be missed!