George L. Schmutz

December 28, 1939 – January 22, 2026

George L. Schmutz, 86, of Atascadero, California, died January 22, 2026 in San Luis Obispo. George was the CEO of Corporate Directions, a consulting/ executive search firm that he founded. George was born in Chapman, Kansas, the son of Roy and Lillian (Davies) Schmutz. He was a fraternal twin, with his beloved brother, Glenn, who passed in 2018. George was one of eight children, one of which, Oliver Schmutz of Junction City, Kansas, survives him. Brothers and sisters, Glenn Schmutz, Johnny Schmutz, David Schmutz, Mary Cook, Helen Neef, and Ruth Frink preceded him in death.

George graduated from Marysville High School in Marysville, Kansas in 1957. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served for 3 years, being honorably discharged in May 1960. George loved his country and was extremely proud of his service in the Marine Corps.

George’s passion in life was coaching people and helping them with life and career choices. He founded the Executive Roundtable, which served to promote ethical leadership practices and build friendships. He never met “a stranger,” welcoming all, and enjoyed fellowship and camaraderie with a great number of friends and family. He was an accomplished private pilot, logging thousands of hours in various single engine airplanes. He also loved his RV trips where he could reconnect with friends and family across the U.S.

George had three children, who he loved dearly: his daughter, Natalie McHugh (her husband, Keith), of Covina, California, and two sons, Brian Schmutz (his wife, Connie), of Kalispell, Montana, and Jae Schmutz (his wife, Hilary), of Park City, Utah. He is also survived by seven grandchildren who meant the world to him, Kate, Meghan, Maggie, Grace, Ethan, Angeline, and Wyatt. He cherished his two great-grandchildren as well – Amelia and Jameson.

There will be a private burial service for the family at Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, where he will be laid next to his beloved wife, Angeline Dino Schmutz. A celebration of life will be held on May 2, 2026 from 4-8 p.m. at the Atascadero Pavilion on the Lake in Atascadero, California. Please email GLScelebration26@gmail.com for more information.

In lieu of flowers, the family would request considering a donation to City of Hope at cityofhope.org