Keith Russell Schwarz

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Jan. 16, 1938 - July 30, 2012

ARAPAHOE, Nebraska -- Keith Russell Schwarz, 74, of Arapahoe, Nebraska, passed away Monday, July 30, 2012, in a semi-truck accident near Loomis, Nebraska.

He was born Jan. 16, 1938, in Smithfield, Nebraska to Frank and Dorothy (Woodside) Schwarz. Keith was a 1956 graduate of Lexington High School. He served his country in the United States Navy from May 24, 1957, until being honorably discharged on Feb. 21, 1961. He was united in marriage to Shelby Parks on August 17, 1957, at Lexington, Nebraska. The marriage ended in divorce and he then married Cindy Vrbas on April 16, 1988, in Phoenix, Arizona. Keith and Cindy moved to Arapahoe in 2005.

Keith's working years were as diverse in occupation as was his fun-loving spirit. He worked on a chicken farm, bowling alley, attended barber school in Lincoln, Nebraska and worked as a barber for several years, he sold insurance for Banker's Life, and was an accountant for Schwarz Brothers Construction and AmericaWest Airlines. After his so-called retirement, he drove semi for RSK Trucking hauling corn.

Keith had a heart of gold and loved his large family very much. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, playing cards, playing in his family band The Country Lads, and telling jokes. Some of his favorite times were spent on the "all boy" annual camping trip with his sons and grandsons. He will be truly missed.

Survivors include his wife, Cindy Schwarz of Arapahoe, Nebraska; children and spouses, Rick (Amy) Schwarz of Lincoln, Nebraska, Sandy Schwarz of Topeka, Kansas, Dan (Berni) Schwarz of Bertrand, Nebraska, Carm (John) Anders of Bertrand, Nebraska, Scott (Stacie) Schwarz of Bertrand, Nebraska, Russ (Gina) Schwarz of Omaha, Nebraska, Amber (James) Bridges of Phoenix, Arizona and Stacy (Arnold) Diaz of Greenwood, Missouri; brothers and sisters, Martin "Mike" Schwarz of Lexington, Nebraska; Kenny (Shirley) Schwarz of Elwood, Nebraska; Eugene (Nancy) Schwarz of Fort Collins, Colorado; Carl Schwarz of Lexington, Nebraska; Martha (Wally) Hubbard of Lexington, Nebraska; and Alice Wenburg of Lexington, Nebraska; sisters-in-law, Helen Schwarz of Lexington, Nebraska; Phyllis Schwarz of Fort Collins, Colorado, and Judy Schwarz of Lexington, Nebraska; 28 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Raymond, Harry and Bob; sisters-in-law, Sandra Schwarz and brother-in-law, Floyd Wenburg.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, Aug. 3, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Lexington, Nebraska with Reverends Robert Barnhill and Neale Nollette, con-celebrating.

Burial with Military Honors will be in St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery at Lexington.

Visitation will be held Thursday, Aug. 2, 2012, from 3-5 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington with Wake Service to follow at 7 p.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church.

Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association or the donor's choice.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please forward online condolences to the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.