Cael David Schmitz, 23, of St Joseph, Missouri, went home to his Lord on June 15, 2026, as the result of an agricultural plane accident. While Cael is no longer on this earth with us, we are at peace knowing that he was a child of God who walked faithfully with Him.

Cael was born on August 12, 2002, in Springfield, Missouri, to David and Amy (Mueller) Schmitz. Throughout his childhood, Cael enjoyed all things outdoors; including hunting, fishing and anything that went fast. Cael easily kept up with his three older siblings (Heidi, Camden, and Cade) and was known to be a prankster and the life of the party. Cael held a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Science and Management with an emphasis in Forest Resources from the University of Missouri. While at Mizzou, Cael met the love of his life, Sophia Schmitz (Cunningham), at the Christian Campus House. On April 6, 2025, he married Sophia in Preston, Missouri. Cael loved sharing his passion for the outdoors with Sophia. During Cael and Sophia’s relationship, they made many memories together and everything they did was an adventure. They explored and traveled to many new places to try new foods, hike new trails, and spend quality time together in God’s creation.

Second to loving his wife and the Lord, Cael loved flying. Cael’s decision to pursue aviation was inspired by his grandmother, Ann Mueller. When he learned that he could also use his passion for aviation to win over a cute young pilot (Sophia), he became even more interested. From there, his love for flying grew and he earned his pilot’s license in 2023. Cael even proposed to Sophia on an airstrip after a sunset flight. Cael took every opportunity he had to fly, and especially loved flying his plane, Rose, with Sophia. His love for flying and the aviation community was undeniable.

Cael is survived by his wife, Sophia; parents, David and Amy; siblings, Heidi (Timothy Conti), Camden (Kendal), Cade (Jaiden); and grandparents Dwight and Ann Mueller; in-laws, Gary, Cammie, Olivia (Matthew Hoek), Carlie, Marta; nephew Isaac and many other family members and friends whom he loved. He was a kind human who made friends with everyone he met, and we know he will be missed by many.

Cael was preceded in death by his sister, Paige Schmitz; and grandparents Bill and Dorothy Schmitz.

Family will receive friends at Trinity Community Church, 201 S. Fairview Road, Columbia, MO on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. with the funeral service starting at 2:00 p.m., followed by burial at Millersburg Cemetery. Immediately following the burial, all guests are invited to Southside Baptist Church for a meal and time of sharing their memories of Cael.

Flowers and tributes may be shared with the family at www.bachyager.com.

The family invites those who wish to honor Cael’s aviation passion to contribute to the Cael David Schmitz Memorial Aviation Scholarship. This  will support aspiring aviators who share Cael’s passion for flight. Details can be found online at the Lebanon Area Foundation. Link to the fund can be found here