- Date Of Birth: June 29, 1945
- Date Of Death: September 26, 2022
- State: Colorado
John A. Schmutz, 77, of Canon City, CO passed away peacefully from Alzheimer’s on September 26, 2022, in his home. John was born in Emporia, KS on June 29, 1945, to the late Alvin and Mary Jane (Knause) Schmutz. John earned his Bachelor’s degree in Education from Indiana University and retired from SIRVA (North American Van Lines) as Senior Safety Compliance Coordinator. In 1963, John entered Ball State University on a basketball scholarship, but his love of music was stronger, and he soon became an original member of the Ball State University Singers. From there, he toured with Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians. After leaving Fred Waring, he took up residence in Nashville, TN, where he was an on-call studio sideman with such luminaries as Kris Kristofferson and Charlie Daniels. Originally from New Haven, IN, John returned home to the Ft. Wayne, IN area where he formed various bands, played with various groups, and was a much demanded and respected freelancer throughout the Tri-State area. John’s musical talents included vocals, bass, guitar, piano, and upright bass.
John is survived by his brother, Jerry Schmutz; nieces, Jennifer Prichard and Emily Gebhardt all of St. Louis, MO; and his love and partner, Joanne Joseph, whose friendship spans nearly 60 years. In his last years, John was surrounded by wonderful people, and there are not enough thank yous in a lifetime for Sangre de Cristo Hospice, Hildebrand Home Care, Upper Arkansas Area Agency on Aging, and Dr. Suzanne Lesage and her staff from Heart of the Rockies Regional Hospital. Special love and thanks go to Joanne’s children, Tracy Milakovic and Mike Milakovic; and Joanne’s sister, Judith Joseph. They gave much love and support to both John and Joanne. “When we die, we will turn into songs and we will hear each other and remember each other.” -Rob Sheffield
