Brian Edward Schmitz, a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away on June 3, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, music, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.

Born on December 9, 1977, Brian grew up in Rogersville, Missouri. He met his wife, Annie, in the summer of 2000 in Springfield, Missouri. What began as an unexpected introduction at work quickly grew into a lasting partnership spanning nearly 26 years. Together, they built a life and family together, sharing adventures across Springfield, Tulsa, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis.

Brian's greatest priority was his family. He chose to stay home to raise his daughter, Elle, believing deeply in being present for every moment. It may not have been conventional to be a stay-at-home dad, but it was exactly the right choice-and something he took great pride in. He had the pleasure of chaperoning field trips, enjoying elementary school lunch dates, writing daily notes in Elle's lunches on Post-It Notes, and being there after school to patiently help with geometry homework. As Elle grew older, he shifted his caregiving skills to his parents when they relocated to St. Louis.

A gifted vocalist, Brian had a lifelong passion for music. He performed in choir and in school musicals throughout his childhood and into high school having the opportunity to perform at both Notre Dame and Sacré-Cœur Cathedral in Paris.  He continued to share his voice in Tulsa and later with the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, including an unforgettable experience of singing at Carnegie Hall in New York City.  He loved his records and a good set of speakers, often turning the music up and getting completely lost in it when he had the house to himself.  Live music was just as special to him-going to concerts were some of his favorite experiences, and he took joy in sharing that love with his family and friends by going to a wide range of concerts over the years, from Nine Inch Nails to Billy Strings to Chappell Roan to the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra - he had an appreciation for it all.

But most memorably, Brian had a true passion for the outdoors and found his greatest peace on the water and along the many trails, various state parks and campsites of Missouri. He loved hiking, camping, floating, kayaking, fishing, sleeping in a hammock under the stars, and gathering around a campfire, embracing every season and every condition either by himself or with the company of friends. From cold December weather to unexpected thunderstorms and of course the heat and humidity - he would make the most out of it and would have the right camping gear to make it work.  The Ozark Trail was a special place and meant a lot to him and his love of river life earned him the nickname "Briverman," given to him by Annie and Elle-a reflection of the joy he found floating and fishing the rivers he loved so much.

Brian approached everything with his own personal skill and confidence. He was thoughtful and smart. He could keep a surprise a surprise. He didn't sugarcoat things, he said it like it was. He could cook anything and it would turn out amazing. He loved to cook pineapple chicken for Elle's birthdays on the grill in the hot July Missouri summer heat - it was a tradition that always tasted perfect. He was someone his family and friends could rely on for anything.  He had close friendships that he cultivated over the years - he was a good friend.

Brian is survived by his parents, Patricia and Edward Schmitz; his sister, Janet; his brother Mike; his wife, Annie; and his daughter, Elle.

He will be remembered for his warmth, quick wit, musical talent, his passion for the outdoors and the love he had for his friends and family.

From the song he serenaded Annie with on their wedding day, "Stuck on You" by Lionel Richie:
"I've got this feeling deep down in my soul that I just can't lose…"

Brian will be missed by friends and family, but his memory will live on as we all remember the many ways he touched and improved our lives.

Services:  A celebration of life honoring Brian will take place at the FAMILY CENTER at SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Hollway, Ballwin, Missouri, on Saturday, July 11 from 11:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Ozark Trail Association . Friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.