Gayle C. “VooDoo” Schmisseur, 88, of Belleville, IL, born Friday, October 4, 1935, in Belleville, IL, passed away Friday, December 22, 2023 at his residence.
Gayle worked as a Mechanic for McDonnell Douglas for over 42 years. He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church Belleville IL, a member of the Signal Hill Fire Department since 1956, serving as Fire Chief from 1978 – 1992, and the Board of Directors since 1992. He was the Fireman’s Picnic Chairman from 1968 – 1988 and a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Lodge #837-A.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Father: Cyril D. Schmisseur
- Mother: Helen A. Schmisseur, nee Millman
Surviving are his:
- Brother: Lance (Jeanette) Schmisseur of High Ridge, MO
- Nieces and nephews
- Denise (Joe) Cunningham of Pacific, MO
- Mark (Therese) Schmisseur of Phoenix, AZ
- Donna (Mike) Vogt of Eureka, MO
- Paul (Angelica) Schmisseur of Leander, TX
- 10 grand nieces and nephews
- 3 great-grand nieces and nephews
Special thanks: Special thanks and appreciation are offered to Alan and Mitzi Render, Greg Render and Michelle Hudson, and Tom Elliff along with the Signal Hill Firefighers for their friendship and assistance to Gayle. The family would also like to thank the Red Bud Regional Home Care nurses for the comfort and care they provided.
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Signal Hill Fire Department or Blessed Sacrament – Building Fund.
Visitation: Visitation from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, Illinois. –There will be a Fireman’s walkthrough at 6:30pm.
Funeral: A funeral procession will leave Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville at 10:45 am, Friday, December 29, 2023 for a 11:00am Mass of Christian Burial at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Belleville, IL with Father Fr. Godfrey Mullen officiating. Interment will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.
2 Comments To "Gayle C. “VooDoo” Schmisseur"
#1 Comment By Jack Oesterle,Jr. On December 24, 2023 @ 11:09 am
We are so sorry for the loss of Gayle! He was always so nice and proud of all his tools! He always talked highly of McDonnell Douglas & Signal Hill Fire Department. I’ve known Gayle Thru “The Triska Family” Our sympathy to family & friends. “May The Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him” Mary & Jack Oesterle,Jr. Kirkwood, Missouri
#2 Comment By Ken Harris, Retired Fire Chief, Northwest Fire Protection District On December 29, 2023 @ 3:49 pm
Very sorry to hear about Gayles passing. He became the Signal Hill Fire Chief a few years after I became Fire Chief of the neighboring Northwest Fire Department. As stated in his obituary, Gayle had the fire department always at heart. R.I.P. Gayle, for all your service to the community.