Joseph Schmoll

Dr. Joseph Schmoll, age 93, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 in Houston, Texas. He was born on June 13, 1923 in Tyndall, South Dakota to Henry and Lydia Schmoll. He graduated from Klamath Union High School in Klamath Falls, Oregon in 1941. Joe served in the United States Army from 1941 and was in the 360th Field Artillery Battalion in France and Germany. After German surrender, he was sent back to the states to prepare for the planned invasion of Japan. Upon Japan's surrender, he was honorably discharged on December 1, 1945. After the military, Joe attended the University of South Dakota and completed his Bachelor's degree in Music Theory in 1948. His Master's degree in Music Composition was obtained in 1949. He earned his Ph.D. in Music Theory from Northwestern University in 1954. During this time, he met and married Ruth Haxo in 1951. Joe's music career included teaching at the Midwest Conservatory of Music in Chicago, Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, and Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia. He then relocated with his family to Houston, Texas in 1958 where he was a professor at Texas Southern University in the Fine Arts department until his retirement in 1988. He was Fine Arts Chairman from 1984 to 1988. Joe composed numerous symphonic compositions and specialized in French horn performance. He is preceded in death by his sons David and Robert, his parents, and three brothers. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ruth Haxo Schmoll, daughter-in-law Carol Schmoll, grandchildren Gretchen Schmoll and Christopher Schmoll, and nephews Jay Schmoll (wife Diane) and Lynn Schmoll (wife Cheri). Joe was a kind and generous man and will be missed by his family and friends. A private celebration of his life will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Houston Area Parkinson's Society or to the charity of one's choosing.

Service Information

June 16, 2017 2:30pm, VA Houston National Cemetery

Details:

Service Extra Info Please arrive at the cemetery no earlier than 2:00 pm. Line up in Lane 1.

Interment Details

VA Houston National Cemetery