Steve "Big Dog" Schmelz

December 4, 1952 - March 25, 2022

Steve “Big Dog” Schmelz, 69, of Louisville KY, passed away March 25th, 2022, at home surrounded by his loving wife and family. Steve was born in New Albany Indiana, December 4th, 1952, to his parents Irene and Mark Schmelz and was one of nine children. After he graduated from New Albany High School, Steve went on to become a member of the Local 502 Pipefitters, and ultimately retired from there. He helped his grandson “Thunder”, join the Local 502 following in his grandfather’s footsteps. He was a Catholic by faith, an avid golfer who won some championships, enjoyed a hand of cards, smoking a good cigar and a cold beer anytime with his friends and family. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Irene, and Mark Schmelz; mother -in-law, Louise Dever; siblings, Tony Schmelz, Martha Gibson, and Velma Salesman; Siblings-in-law, Bobby Dever, Denny Dever, Johnny Dever, Ed Jones, and Mike (Rosie) Baxter. He is survived by his wife, Sherri Schmelz and their dog Bogey; daughter Katie Phillips (Russell Lynch); grandson, Duane “Thunder” Phillips, IV; siblings, Paul Schmelz (Peggy), and Thelma Welsbacher (Karl) who reside in California, Brenda Baxter( Norbert), Bonnie Krider (Rick), Suzy Visser (Marcel); siblings-in-law Brenda Miller (Mike), Patti Jones, Joe Dever (Susan), Neil Dever (Anne) , Nancy Duncan (Dean), Carolyn Stack (Jerry); many loving nieces, nephews, great – nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 30th, 3:00pm-7:00pm, at Owen Funeral Home, 5317 Dixie Highway, Louisville KY, 40216. Services will be held the same day at 7:00pm at the funeral home. Donations can be made in Steve’s memory to Down Syndrome of Louisville, https://dsoflou.org/.