John Schultz

John Edward Schultz, retired professor emeritus of Chemistry of Westminster College, passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2013 at Boone Hospital Center after a long battle with leukemia. Born March 5, 1936 in Nowata, Okla., he spent his boyhood years in Valley Falls, Kan. and moved to Fulton, Mo. in 1951. Graduating from Fulton High School in 1954 with honors, he received a BA with honors from Westminster College in 1958 in chemistry. His graduate work was done at the University of Illinois receiving a PhD in Chemistry in 1963. He and his high school sweetheart, Mary Jane Love were married in 1955. To this union, were born three children, John Edward Schultz Jr., (Debbie) Bloomington, Ill., Elizabeth (Betsy) Love Humphreys (Steve), Des Peres, Mo., and Margaret Marie Beggs of Glendale, Mo. His survivors include six grandchildren, Elizabeth Ann Schultz, Emily Christine Schultz, Katherine Elizabeth Humphreys, Sarah Jane Humphreys, Henry Stanton Beggs, Olivia (Livvy) Bush Beggs; and a brother, Dr. RJ Black Schultz (Pueblo, Colo.) and his children, Dr. RJ Black Schultz II (Janice) and Bruce Lee Schultz of Pueblo, Colo. and Karl Frederick Schultz (Stephanie) and great-nephews, Bowen, Connor, and August Jeffrey of Nashville, Tenn. Other survivors include his brother-in-law, Tim Collins of Kimberling City and his children, Tracy Howell Collins of St. Louis, Mo., and Timmy Lane Collins of Springfield, Mo. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry John and Nyla Black Schultz; his sister-in-laws, Barbara Havens Schultz, Nora Pena Schultz, and Joyce Love Collins; his brother-in-law, Kenneth Dale Love; and niece, Cynthia Lynn Schultz. Following his graduation from Westminster, he joined the Army Chemical Corps serving at Aberdeen Proving Grounds and Edgewood Arsenal in Maryland. Before leaving the Army, he was invited to join the faculty at Westminster College. Beginning there in 1964, he taught chemistry 38 years also serving as Associate Dean and head of the computer center. Keeping the traditions of Westminster, he served as Marshall and sponsor of the Skulls of Seven for 30 years. While a student, he was initiated into Beta Theta Pi and was a former faculty advisor for the Westminster chapter. Baptized as a teenager in the First Christian Church of Fulton, he served loyally in various leadership roles including Sunday School teacher, Deacon, Elder, and Board Chairman. A long-term member of the Fulton Kiwanis Club, he served one or more terms in every elected office and most recently as historian and board member. John was ardent supporter of the Boy Scout movement and worked tirelessly in leadership positions with the pack, troop, district and council levels. He started his service in Maryland in 1962 and was currently registered and eligible for a 50-year adult service award. The highest award for service to the Boy Scouts, the Silver Beaver, was awarded to John in 1976. Elected to the Fulton School board for two terms, he served during the time that the current high school was originally completed. An avid bridge player, he was a member of the Fulton men's bridge clubs. He loved to garden and was proud of his greenhouse and yard. His latest project was a water feature with a waterfall and fish. A beloved man of many talents that included chef, woodworker, and puzzle solver, he was a mentor, a friend, a brilliant teacher ("Organic chemistry is the easiest class in the world"), a leader, a great husband, father, and grandfather. He will be dearly missed by all whose lives he impacted. A memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m., April 27 at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury at the National Churchill Museum on the Westminster campus with Pastor Ed Varnum officiating. Private family entombment will follow at Callaway Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be at Debo Funeral Home, Friday, April 26 from 5 until 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Westminster College or First Christian Church of Fulton, Mo. Condolences can be sent by visiting www.debofuneralhome.com.