William Charles Schwarz

William Charles Schwarz passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, on December 18th, in Sugarland, Texas. He lived a life marked by devotion to family, quiet strength, and steady values that shaped everyone who knew him. Bill will be remembered for his loyalty, hard work, dry sense of humor, and steady encouragement.

Bill was born at his family's farmhouse in the German community of Detmold, near Thorndale, Texas. He learned how to farm and raise farm animals, which he continued throughout his life. After high school, he worked at the Thorndale Champion Newspaper. He learned printing and photography. He especially enjoyed sports reporting at the local football games. Bill, his wife Floy, and daughter Monica kept in contact with their lifelong friends in Thorndale. Gathering at Schroeder’s Place and the many other get-togethers created cherished memories.

Bill entered the U.S. Air Force in 1951 and was stationed at Mitchel Field AFB. Monica and her mother, Floy, joined him in New York. Bill’s service also included working with the Department of Defense at the Pentagon. He was deployed to the Philippines during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1955.

Bill worked at the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) in Austin for 30 years. He was the Supervisor of the Engineering Graphics Department, working with aerial photography and mapping. Along with his coworkers, he became an avid Texas Longhorn fan. He worked taking tickets at the stadium for a quarter of the game, so he and Monica could get in free. “A penny saved is a penny earned" was a lifelong practice for Bill.

Bill and his wife, Melba (Kitty) Frey, retired as soon as they were eligible and hit the road in their camper. They traveled a lot and enjoyed stopping at all the casinos. They both loved the coast. So, they briefly lived in Matagorda and Corpus Christi, where dear friends and family visited often. Fishing and bird watching were favorite pastimes for Bill, while Kitty collected shells.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Monica and husband Gene Durand; grandson Chanse Durand and wife Stacy; great granddaughters Macie and Marleigh; nephew Rick Schwarz and wife Jane; nephew Mark Schwarz and wife Nancy; niece Karen Keener; granddaughter Emily Frey Bell; great grandson Darren; grandson Robert “Bobby” H. Frey, Jr. and wife Sarah; great grandchildren Genevieve, McKenna and Hunter.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William Christian Schwarz and Hattie Jane Unnasch Schwarz; Monica’s mother, Floy Norris Schwarz Schwab; his wife, Melba (Kitty) Frey Schwarz; and brothers, Norris Schwarz and Wally Schwarz. His nephew, Rodney Schwarz, and Kitty’s son, Robert Frey.

Those who knew Bill knew a man of quiet faith. One rooted in peace, gratitude, and trust. He loved the Lord and found everlasting peace through him. His memory will continue to guide and comfort his family.

Contributions can be made in his memory to St John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pflugerville. (stjohnrichland.org). Bill and Kitty were long-time members of the community church.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 2nd, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm at Cook-Walden/ Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, January 3rd, at 10:00am at St John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pflugerville. Graveside to follow at Cook-Walden Memorial Hill Cemetery in Pflugerville.