Alton “Smitty” Schmitt, 93 of Kearney passed away Thursday, April 17, 2025 at the Central Nebraska Veterans Home in Kearney. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 25, 2025 at the Central Nebraska Veterans Home in Kearney. Interment will follow at North Logan Cemetery near St. Paul, NE. Visitation will be held 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home.

Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services.

Alton Ervin Schmitt was born on the family farm on May 19, 1931 near Roscoe, SD to Fred and Lydia (Himmerich) Schmitt. He was the youngest of 5 children.

In 1951, Alton was drafted into the Army and later enlisted in the Navy. He was assigned to the U.S.S. Rodgers, a Destroyer, during the Korean Conflict. Alton served in every major body of water, spending much time in the Bering Sea. He received many honors and medals during his service, even one from the Korean Government. He proudly served until his honorable discharge in 1955.

Following his discharge, Alton used the GI Bill to attend Barber school in Omaha, NE. He spent a year barbering in Falls City, NE before moving to Holdrege, NE. After a year working at Al’s Barbershop, he began his 57-year tenure at the Dale Hotel Barber Shop. On April 2, 1989, he was united in marriage to Sylvia Hilty in Holdrege, NE. They were married 33 years until Sylvia’s untimely death in October of 2022.

Alton was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, American Legion, 40/8, VFW and DAV. He was the Commander of the Legion on several occasions and served as Chef de Gar for the 40/8 both locally and at the state and regional levels. Alton enjoyed collecting barbershop memorabilia and at one time collected stamps.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Carrie Gross of Omaha and Patrick Schmitt of Omaha; stepchildren Kim (George) Smith of Kearney, Kevin Hilty of Loup City; grandchildren, Trey (Meghan) Gross of Logan, UT and Tylore Gross of Omaha; step grandchildren Nicholas (Nikki Mooney) Potter, Kasey (Tyler) Potter, Logan Potter, Shyanne (Tully) Howell, Holly (Tyler Black) Smith, Hope (Jayden Vandiest) Smith, Brady Hoss; great granddaughter, Mayze Gross; step great grandchildren, Destiny, Ezekial, Aubree, Asia, Romeo, Jayda, Lucky, Kye, Wezlee, Fox, Koe and Mabel; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Alton was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sylvia Schmitt; a young son; siblings, Leontina Whitbeck, Art Schmitt, Alvin Schmitt and Marvin Schmitt.