Paul Clay Schmittou

1931-2007

Paul Schmittou, 76, died peacefully on May 26, 2007, at home surrounded with his wife, Margaret, and family.

Paul was born in Lavina, MT on February 23, 1931, and moved to Billings as a youngster where he lived his entire life. He graduated from Billings Senior High School as an honor student and chose a career as a tradesman. Paul was a master electrician. While still a high school student, he built an entire 4-bedroom house for his family. Paul invented and built many of the tools that he used in his trade. He took great pride in the quality of his work and admired other tradesmen around Billings who he worked with/for who also took pride in their work. At one time Paul’s Electric employed 25 people, but in later years Paul preferred the simplicity of a one-man business. He enjoyed his job and worked up until shortly before his 76^th birthday.

For decades Paul was one of the best pool players in the state and preferred the more difficult game of 3-cushion billiards in which he won the NIX Three Cushion Billiard Championship when he was 19. He also enjoyed playing cards and was a highly skilled gin rummy player.

Paul spent his last 30 years with his wife, Margaret, who he mentored in playing pool and was proud of her winning the McDermott Masters nine-ball tournament. Paul became a home-body and he and Margaret spent hours together doing "projects." He loved all their rabbit, duck, bird, chicken, cat and dog critters and especially his dog, Teddi.

Paul is survived by his wife, Margaret; stepchildren Bridgette, Dee and Raymond; all his family from his marriage to Zena Faye Smith: Paulette Baston, Russell; Loretta (Randy Howard), Rita Calvin and Toni (Ted Allen). He is also survived by his sister, Ruthy Ring of Las Vegas. He had 14 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

The family would like to express its appreciation to Drs. Robert Stockdale and Benjamin Marchello who treated Paul with care and compassion. Paul eventually died from the effects of a 12-year battle with cancer, but he was blessed to the end to be mentally alert, mostly pain free, and in good spirits. His wishes will be honored to be cremated and forego a funeral service. Donations can be made to Big Sky Hospice who helped him in the last few days of his life to die peacefully at home.