OBITUARY: John Schmueser

John Schmueser, age 70, of Lascassas, TN, passed away August 1, 2019, at St. Thomas Rutherford of cardiac arrest. John was born in Tucson, AZ and was preceded in death by his mother, Capitola Schmueser Putman, and sister, Jeanne Webster Glassock.  He is survived by brother, Bob Webster of Atlanta, Georgia and several nieces and nephews.  John is also survived by friends, Jim & Paula Barnes, Janis & Jim Baker, Jimmy & Andi Cook, and several other close friends that John always considered family.  John had three godchildren–Jackie (Barnes) Lee, Brad Barnes and Cortney (Baker) Meadows.

John graduated from Antioch High School, Class of 1967; he attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and later joined the Navy where he was stationed in Guam.  After serving his country, John returned to Nashville and worked at Western Electric for a number of years.  He returned to college and graduated from George Peabody College for teachers with a B.S. in Elementary Education and Special Education in 1977 and a M.S. in Early Childhood Education in 1978.  John began his teaching career in Atlanta, returning to Murfreesboro to accept a teaching position at Homer Pittard Campus School.  He completed his Educational Specialist certification in Administration and Supervision in 1991 from Middle Tennessee State University.  John served as assistant principal at LaVergne Primary, Cedar Grove, David Youree, and Wilson Elementary.  He retired from the Rutherford County Board of Education after thirty-four years.

John grew up as a member of Haywood Hills Baptist Church and most recently was a member of the World Outreach Church of Murfreesboro.  He was proud of his property called “The Smoozerosa” and loved sharing his beautiful flowers and woodland animals with a host of friends, so much so, he hosted a goddaughter’s wedding there.  John was a wonderful poet and since his retirement had been working on a book.  Anyone wishing to honor John can make a donation to the Child Advocacy Center of Rutherford County, 1040 Samsonite Boulevard, Murfreesboro, TN  615-867-9000 or purchase a book for your favorite elementary school library.

Arrangements are being handled by Woodfin Funeral Chapel, Murfreesboro, TN.  No public service is planned at this time.