Charles E. Schmits, 83, of Fort Branch, IN, passed away peacefully at the Linda E. White Hospice House on Friday, September 10, 2021. Charles was born in Fort Branch on July 9, 1938, to Jesse Schmits and Florence (Pugh) Schmits.

Charles graduated from Fort Branch High School in 1956 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Charles married Wanda L. Ford on July 18, 1959.

Charles worked at Emge Packing Company for 34 years and retired from Jofco in 2001.

Charles enjoyed working on automobiles and building small engines. He also enjoyed attending antique engine shows.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Andrea Nicole Schmits; brother, Kenneth Schmits; mother and father-in-law, Earl and Catherine Ford.

Charles is survived by his wife, Wanda L. (Ford) Schmits; daughters, Jacqueline “Jacie” (Mark) Tomes and Charlena Gehl (Bruce Buschkoetter); son, Anthony Schmits (fiancée Amanda Murray); grandchildren, Joan Williams, Jennifer Sidebottom, Michael Gehl, Craig Schmits, and Ethan Schmits; 13 great grandchildren; brother, Robert (Sharon) Schmits; sister-in-law, Carole Schmits; brother-in-law, Roger (Wanda) Ford, nieces, nephew, and numerous cousins.

The family would like to sincerely thank the numerous caregivers at Linda White Hospice House and the Deaconess staff for their compassionate care of Charles.

Services will be on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at Stodghill Funeral Home in Fort Branch, IN. Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Entombment will be at the Holy Cross Mausoleum following services. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to the American Diabetes Association.