Richard Gary Schwarz

Richard was born March 16, 1939 in Belleville, Illinois. He grew up in the Houston area where he graduated from Texas City High School and Sam Houston State University in Huntsville.

Richard went on to serve our country for 24 years with the special operations forces in the United States Marine Corps. Parachuting and deep sea diving maneuvers near enemy territory were part of his daily operations. His military involvement included service in Vietnam. He retired with honors and the rank of Major in 1981.

After his retirement from the military Richard enjoyed the many years he spent teaching in the area Christian private schools. He was a member of Christ Memorial Lutheran Church and loved spending his extra time painting and creating beautiful pieces of art which often reflected his love of nature and his extensive world travels.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Richard H. Schwarz and Elizabeth Schwarz Bale, and daughter Tracy Sullivan.

He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Betty Schwarz of Houston, son Todd Schwarz and wife Glenda of Willis, Texas, step-daughters Johanna Bortnem and husband David of Allen, Texas, Rachel Salazar and husband Ruben of Mercedes, Texas, step-son Matthew Wehring and wife Stephanie of Brenham, Texas, grandsons Mason Rieman and wife Michelle of Houston, Texas, and Hunter Sullivan of Waco, Texas, step-grandson Hayden Sullivan of Dallas, Texas, great-grandson Merritt Rieman and sister Mary Beth Aspromonte of Houston, Texas.

The family would like to share special thanks with the ICU doctors and nurses at Houston Methodist Hospital for all their loving care.

Military Funeral Honors will be rendered at Houston National Cemetery on Tuesday, January 28 at 11:30 am. A memorial service will be held at Eagle’s Trace Senior Living in Houston on Tuesday, January 28 at 2:30 pm.

Memorial donations may be made in Richard's name to one of his favorite organizations:

Saint Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, South Dakota

The National Audubon Society, New York, New York

ASPCA or your favorite animal rescue