Robert L. Schmehl, Sr., 79, of St. Marys, OH died at 9:14 a.m. Sunday February 16, 2020 at his residence.

He was born July 28, 1940 in St. Marys, OH to Louis F. and Marie A. (Huffman) Schmehl. On February 4, 1984 in Norfolk, VA he married Dorothy J. Nicolson, who survives.

Also survived by: daughter Susan Gates of Suanee, GA, son David (Tonya) Schmehl of Virginia Beach, VA, daughter Deanna Schmehl of Winston-Salem, NC, son Sean (Celeste) Schmehl of New Bremen, OH, son Jason (Stephanie) Schmehl of Wapakoneta, OH, son Kyle (Julie) Schmehl of St. Marys, OH, 11 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, sister Martha Coby of Celina, OH, sister Dottie Peffley of Celina, OH, sister Jane Thomes of St. Marys, OH, sister Louise Davis of Celina, OH, sister Allie Carpenter of Celina, OH, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by: parents Louis and Marie Schmehl; son Robert L. Schmehl, Jr.; sister Marjorie Stienecker; sister Carol Raymond.

He was a graduate of St. Marys Memorial High School (Class of 1958) and St. Leo University (Master's Degree in Criminal Justice).

A career military man, he spent 30 years in the United States Navy, retiring as Chief Warrant Officer in charge of Base Security at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. After being stationed around the world, he returned to his native St. Marys.

Robert also worked for the Virginia Beach Police Department, Minster, OH Police Department and served as a special agent for the Drug Enforcement Agency.

He had served his community as a member of the St. Marys City Council in the 1990's. He was a member of Mercer Lodge #121 of the Free & Accepted Masons.

His favorite pastime was woodworking, and he was especially adept in the craft of cabinet-making.

Private family funeral services will be held.

Full military funeral rites will be performed, prior to the time-honored tradition of Burial at Sea.

Condolences may be expressed to his family via: www.millerfuneralhomes.net.  

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Miller Funeral Homes in St. Marys.