Don Frederick Schutt

Don Frederick Schutt, 86, went home to his prepared place in Heaven on Saturday November 19th, at his daughter’s home in Lyman, SC.

Don was born on March 6th, 1936, in Cincinnati, OH. After graduating with his Accounting degree from Notre Dame in 1958, he joined the Air Force (1958-1966) where he fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a pilot. Achieving the rank of Captain and serving in the Vietnam War, he received the distinguished Air Force Cross of Valor, the second highest military decoration awarded to a member of the USAF. Following his Air Force service, Don began his commercial airline career with “The On-Time Machine,” American Airlines,  for 30 years, retiring as a Captain in 1996. Throughout his Air Force and commercial career he had the opportunity to pilot the T-33, T-34, F-86, B-47, B-57, Boeing 727, DC10, Super 80, and his favorite plane, the Boeing 757. With an American Flag in his suitcase, his final flight was Nov 12, 2022 to spend his remaining days in the Carolinas with his family.

While in the Air Force, Don married the love of his life Mary Ann Agnes Klan on June 2, 1962. Their first home was established in Hoffman Estates, IL. Following Don’s honorable discharge from the military, they relocated to Mauston, WI where they raised their family from 1972-1986. Mr. Schutt enjoyed a memorable life with family, friends, interests and hobbies. In his earlier years, he could be found water skiing, boating, scuba diving and camping.  A self-made handyman, he spent his lifetime assisting others with building projects, plumbing, electrical work, woodworking and cabinet making, which brought him and others much satisfaction.

Following the American Airlines hub relocation, a move to TX brought them to the Dallas/Fort Worth area and eventually Don and Mary Ann retired to Grapevine, TX where they were active members of the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Together they participated in and organized ministry events. Overseeing the kitchen and other building projects, Don enjoyed electrical wiring and plumbing pipes to keep all necessary parts of the church functioning. Don served many years with the Knights of Columbus and in 2021 was inducted as a Sir Knight of the Fourth Degree. Although miles separated him from his church family, in these last days, Don connected with the Divine Mercy prayer group throughout the week.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Mary Ann Agnes (Klan, d. 2021). He is survived by his daughter Carolyn Hoidal (Charles), grandchildren John Thomas (Jenna) great granddaughter Lennon, Chad (Sidney); daughter Diane Beidler (Scott), grandchildren Matthew (Caitlin) great grandchildren Calvin and Remy; Brien (Katilyn), great grandson Morris, Brooke Thompson (Henry) and Amy; son Alan Schutt (Anne), grandchildren Jordan, Taylor (Andrea) great grandchildren Sydney, Cloe, Kamryn and grandchildren Parker and Jamie. 

Don is preceded in death by his mother, Rusche Cecelia (Rhim) Schutt; father, Charles Harden Schutt and is survived by his brothers, Dr. Charles Schutt (Barbara) and Bruce Schutt; nieces and nephews.

Don will be sorely missed and yet all who know him, understand and appreciate that he is now in his Heavenly home with Our Lord and Savior and his beloved wife Mary Ann.

The funeral service will be held at St. Francis Catholic Church, 861 Wildwood Lane, Grapevine, TX on Feb 16, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Burial to be determined at a National VA Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Francis Outreach Assistance Fund: https://membership.faithdirect.net/givenow/TX471/26018 or to the VFW Post 10454 where he was a
lifetime member: https://www.vfw10454.net/donate

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