- Visitation
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL.
- Service
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
3:00 PM
Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL.
- Full Obituary
Perry F. Schwarz, 76, of Collinsville, IL, passed away on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at Highland Healthcare Center, in Highland, IL.
He was born on August 12, 1947, in Olive Township, IL, to Oscar and Ethel (nee Lewis) Schwarz. On May 14, 1977, he married the love of his life, Rita Lorton, in Cass County, IL.
Perry was a United States Army Veteran who served during the Vietnam War, where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart Medal. After serving his country Perry worked for McClair asphalt doing highway construction for 35 years before his retirement.
Perry was an avid musician, he loved to play his guitar and was inspired by Elvis, The Eagles, and the oldies. He also enjoyed singing karaoke at the Collinsville VFW and was part of a barber shop quartet. His children would often watch him sing at the VFW and when they were younger, he coached his son’s football team, the Collinsville Raiders. Perry loved his family more than anything, including all of his golden retrievers, Stile, Savannah, and Pippa. He was incredibly kind, had a great sense of humor, and never met a stranger, only made new friends. Perry was a treasured husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Ethel Schwarz; grandson, David Gears; great-grandson, Nolan Gears brother, Leonard Schwarz; sisters, Audrey Johnson, and JoAnn Weiss.
Perry is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Rita Schwarz; children, Travis Schwarz, John “Jay” (Lilly) Schwarz, Nikki Jo (Eric) Fields, Angela Hydron; stepchildren, Julie Strowmatt, John Strowmatt, Cindy Stevens, Kristi Klenke; sister, Marilyn Shumacher; 13 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and many loving friends.
Memorials may be made to the Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF).
Visitation: Wednesday, November 1, 2023, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, at Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL.
Funeral Service: Wednesday, November 1, 2023, 3:00 PM, Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL.
Interment: Valley View Cemetery, Edwardsville, IL.
Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL.
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