Terry Schmitt

Terry Louis Schmitt 52, of Paducah, Ky., lost his courageous battle with cancer Thursday, Dec. 2, 2010, at Western Baptist Hospital.

Terry was born Oct. 16, 1958, in Paducah to loving parents Norbert and Amilda Kaufman Schmitt. On Aug. 28, 2004, he married the love of his life, the former Linda Job of Cape Girardeau, who joined him as a video producer at S&W Productions.

Terry's passion for video production began while attending St. Mary High School in Paducah. Upon graduation in 1976, he was employed at Bristol Broadcasting, where his entrepreneurial spirit led him to create his own independent studio, S&W Productions. They have produced numerous local, national and global award winning video projects, including developing the Quilt Channel in Paducah, showcasing the American Quilters Society quilt show and contest. He shared his expertise in video production at various video conventions across the country.

Terry was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, the Knight of Columbus Council 1055 and was past president (1990-1991) of the Paducah Lions Club. He was a Kentucky Colonel and Duke of Paducah. He was a political consultant and enthusiast, and was active in the grassroots efforts of the tea party movement. He served as district director for the FairTax. Terry was a very compassionate person, which was reflected in his humanitarian efforts, which included the annual Kenny Rogers Children's Center Telethon, as well as the William Clark Market House Museum. Terry was also an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals.

He is survived by his wife, parents, aunts Hilda Kaufman Wurth and Rose Marie Schmitt (Tommy) Weitlauf, all of Paducah, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Friends may visit with the family after 4 p.m. today at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah. Prayers will begin at 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

A funeral Mass will be at noon Monday at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, with Rev. Brian Roby officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church Capital Campaign, 116 S. 6th St., Paducah, KY 42003, American Cancer Society, 3140 Parisa Drive, Paducah, KY 42003, American Red Cross, McCracken County Chapter, 232 N. 8th St., Paducah, KY 42001, and William Clark Market House Museum, 100 S. 2nd St., Paducah, KY 42003.

You may light a candle or leave a message of sympathy at www.milnerandorr.com.