Regis J. Schmerheim

Regis J. Schmerheim, 85 years of age, passed away Thursday, November 25, 2010. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am Monday, November 29, 2010 at the Minor Basilica of The Immaculate Conception in Natchitoches with Rev. Irion St. Romain officiating. Interment will follow at Coldwater Baptist Church Cemetery, Hagewood, LA under the direction of Blanchard St. Denis. The family will have visitation at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday, November 28, 2010, with a 6:30 p.m. Rosary Service in the funeral home chapel. He was preceded in death by his parents Andrew J. Schmerheim and Gertrude Erico; his loving wife of 61 years, Ruth Marie Jackson Schmerheim; and his precious daughter, Regina Ann Howell. He is survived by his younger brother, Bob Schmerheim of Albuquerque, NM; two daughters, Bobbie Jean Brock of Natchitoches and Marcia Lynn Brouillette and her husband Dr. Bruce Brouillette of Benton, LA; son in law, Don Howell of Natchitoches; grandchildren, John Howell, Mandy Richardson, Chris Richardson, Kim Collingsworth, Michael Brodnax, Bryan Brodnax, Jonathan Sexton, Nathan Sexton, Stephanie Zuniga, Stacie Brouillette, Leslie Brouillette, Andrew Brouillette; and 27 great grandchildren. Those honored to serve as pallbearers include Warren Massia, Melvin Jackson, Jr. Bryan Brodnax, Michael Brodnax, Mike Pope and Dustin O’Bannon. Honorary pallbearers will be Donald Howell, Bruce Brouillette, M.D., Andrew Brouillette and John Howell. Regis was born June 3, 1925 and grew up in Tarentum, PA. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and baseball. In 1943, he enlisted in the Army Air Corp and trained in Yuma, AZ to be a radioman and gunner. Regis’ squadron was the 331st based out of Barksdale Field. In 1944, he was stationed in England where he flew over 25 missions in a B-17 Flying Fortress named “Stardust”. His most harrowing mission was the notorious bombing run over the Schweinfurt, Germany ball bearing factory. The American losses were severe, and two of his crewmen were mortally wounded before their safe return to base. Regis received a Purple Heart and Bronze Service Star, with a promotion to staff sergeant before his honorable discharge. After the war, he parlayed his love for baseball and earned a position with a minor league baseball team and ultimately landed on the roster of the Shreveport Sports. He later became an officer with the Natchitoches Police Department. After the arrival of his daughters, he became a successful salesman with Natchitoches Beverage Co. His pleasant personality endeared him to many in the community. Special thanks to Dr. Jani and the kind physicians at Willis-Knighton Pierremont who attended him in his hour of need. The family would also like to thank the 8th floor nursing staff and our friend, Anita Anderson for their exceptional care given.