Donald “Don” E. Schulte
Donald “Don” E. Schulte, a beloved Pattonville teacher who inspired generations of
students, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026.
Don was born July 6, 1963, in St. Louis, Missouri, to David and Donna Schulte.
He graduated from Pattonville High School and earned degrees from the University of
Missouri–Columbia and Webster University. He spent more than 30 years teaching
social studies and history at Pattonville High School. Being both a Pattonville graduate
and teacher was especially meaningful to Don, and he remained proud to be part of the
Pirate community.
Don maintained many friendships with both former students and fellow teachers
throughout the years. Many of Don’s former students remained in touch with him long
after graduation, a testament to the lasting impact he had both in and beyond the
classroom. He took great pride in watching generations of students grow, succeed, and
return to share their stories with him.
In remembering Mr. Schulte, many former students think of the lessons he
shared—both in and beyond the classroom—and the lasting impact those lessons had
on their lives.
He was an active member of the National Education Association, including the
Pattonville NEA and Missouri NEA, and remained involved after retirement, serving as
Secretary of the Metro St. Louis NEA-Retired organization and participating in statewide
NEA-Retired advocacy efforts.
Don had a love of the outdoors and enjoyed hiking and spending time in nature. He
earned the rank of Eagle Scout through the Boy Scouts of America and remained a
lifelong supporter of Scouting, reflecting his deep commitment to leadership, service,
and the outdoors. He was also a dedicated volunteer with the Ozark Trail Association,
contributing his time and efforts to help maintain and preserve the natural beauty he so
deeply valued. After retiring, Don spent his summers volunteering at Rocky Mountain
National Park as a campground host. This role allowed him to combine his love of
nature with his desire to help others enjoy it as well.
Don is survived by his beloved son, Colin; his parents, David and Donna Schulte; and
his brother, Dan Schulte. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, great
nieces and nephews, extended family, and many close friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Don’s memory to the Greater
St. Louis Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, or the American Diabetes Association:
https://stlbsa.org/give-now/memorial-gifts/
https://diabetes.org/ways-to-give/memorial-gifts
A celebration of Don’s life will be held at the PFEM –
Professional Firefighters of
Eastern Missouri Hall, 115 McMenamy Rd, St. Peters, MO 63376, on Saturday, April 4,
2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. To celebrate Don’s life, guests are invited to wear purple, his favorite color.
A private family burial will be held at a later date.
May his love of learning, the outdoors, and service continue to inspire all who knew him.
Colin, I went to high school at Pattonville with your dad, and we graduated the same year, 1980. He was always considered a truly kind person who was liked by everyone. I admired him for how he never waited for “the cool kids” to draw him into their circle, he drew them in by just being himself.
He contacted me on Facebook a few years ago, as a fellow Pirate alum, and it was great to see how well he was doing and especially his pictures from the Rockies. My husband is from Denver, and his love of the Rocky Mountains drew us back to visit many times, so I appreciated Don sharing his perspective perhaps more than most. I bragged about his insider info when the wildfires ravaged the areas around the park, and shared those photos with my acquaintances too. So the ripples spread . . . .
I’ve moved many times, so lost contact with everyone back in Maryland Heights. Don’s kind gesture of reaching out to me meant a lot. I’m so very glad he did.
May his memory be a blessing.
Don helped me so much with lesson plan ideas when I resumed teaching after being home with kids for almost 2 decades! We met at summer leadership in the late 1990s. I appreciated his friendship and support. RIP dear friend!
I was an employee of Pattonville for 27 yrs. and worked at the H.S. for 13 of those years. Don was such a beloved teacher and humanitarian. My daughter was a student of his back in the early 90’s and he was one of her favorite teachers. My heart goes out to his family for this great loss. May Don rest in the arms of Jesus.
My mom and I were both taught social studies by Mr. Schulte. He was an avid local historian that loved learning and teaching. Gonna miss every time he asked how my mom was doing before class haha
RIP Don,
Thoughts and prayers for Colin, Dave, Donna, and Dan.
Colin,
I was fortunate to know you dad as we worked together at PHS where I was a counselor. I would call him a “teacher’s teacher” as he exuded true caring for students, applied intelligence, and professionalism. I will always remember his patience and kind smile. Blessings to you and family. He touched many lives and all were better for it.
I’m sad to hear this news. Don was an excellent teacher. I had him in the early 90s. He stopped by on a trip to MU to visit me and another student while we were in college.
I had him for a study hour my senior year and he showed several of us Class of 95 kids the internet because there was a computer lab next door.
Dave and Donna, we are so very sorry for your loss.
Dave and Donna, we are so very sorry for your loss.
Dave and Donna, we are so very sorry for your loss.
I taught with Don for several years at PHS beginning in 2000. He was the mastermind behind seniors taking government class rather than the typical way of freshmen taking civics. He argued that it means so much more to students about to turn 18 rather than 14, and he was correct. He also pushed into the curriculum visits to Jeff City (he’d say, “what do they really remember about going there in 4th grade?) where besides meeting the local state reps and sitting in on debates, he’d get us the rare chance to visit the outside top of the dome. Don would also introduce his students (and me) to Central Dairy ice cream visits. In the fall, he had us going to St Louis City Hall on a Friday to visit a Board of Aldermen meeting as well as tour the Soldiers’ Memorial. He was a very creative teacher who enjoyed his students. After his retirement, he found a new calling as an RMNP campground host. Sadly, we didn’t have much contact the last decade of so, but I did speak with him at least once and learned how much he really enjoyed his summers helping other campers in Colorado. RIP Mr. Schulte.
I served with Don at Rocky NP. He had a huge impact on visitors, park staff, and volunteers in the park. Don hosted hamburger Tuesday each week for staff and volunteers bringing everyone together for a time of sharing and team building. He also hosted celebrations in the amphitheater for visitors on special occasions. Each morning and evening Don held a flag ceremony for kids in the campground. He and others like him are the reason why people consider our National Parks special places. His humble gestures were always meant to create the best experiences for visitors and park staff. Everything Don did was for others. He never expected recognition or compensation from the park. Don’s legacy of kindness is a wonderful example for us to follow. Thanks Don!