J. Fred Schwartz

J. Fred Schwartz, 80, of East Hannibal, IL, passed away at 10:36 PM Saturday, October 4, 2014, at his home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 AM Thursday, October 9, 2014, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Hannibal, MO. Fr. Mike Quinn will officiate. Fr. James Wheeler will concelebrate. Burial with full military honors provided by Emmette J. Shields American Legion Post No. 55 will be in Holy Family Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held 4:00 to 8:00 PM Wednesday, October 8, 2014, at the Smith Funeral Home and Chapel in Hannibal with a Masonic Service at 8:00 PM. J. Fred was born October 27, 1933, in Hannibal, MO, the son of Fred T. and Olive M. (Quintemeyer) Schwartz. Mr. Schwartz graduated from Hannibal High School in the class of 1951. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He married Helen Agnes Armstrong on May 31, 1958, in Mt. Sterling, IL. She survives. Survivors include his wife, Helen Agnes Schwartz of Hannibal, MO; three sons, Rev. Tim Schwartz of Kansas City, KS, Tom Schwartz and wife Lesley of Payson, IL and Ted Schwartz and wife Sarah of East Hannibal, IL; one daughter, Rev. Mary Elizabeth Armstrong-Reiner and husband Rev. David of Atlanta, GA; two sisters, Betty Wiewel of Quincy, IL and Rosemary Whiston of Oak Park, IL; eight grandchildren, Christopher and Samuel Armstrong-Reiner, Maggie, Emily, Nick, Jack, Ben and Henry Schwartz. Also his companion of many years, Doris Krato of Ewing, MO. In addition, long time employee and friends, Ron Reddick of the farm, and Tina Sims, of the home; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Schwartz was preceded in death by an infant brother, Marvin F. Schwartz and one sister, Ilene Megown. J. Fred was a member of the Hannibal Masonic Lodge #188 A.F. & A.M., NEMO Shrine Club, where he served as past president, Moolah Shrine Temple in St. Louis, Knights of Columbus Council #907, Hannibal Country Club, Hannibal Chamber of Commerce, and past member of the Hull Lions Club. Mr. Schwartz served as a Commissioner for over 20 years on the Sny Island Levee Drainage District. Fred owned Schwartz Farms in East Hannibal and farmed with sons, Tom and Ted. He began selling seed corn and agriculture chemicals out of his home in the 1960's. The business grew over the years and it moved to Hannibal in 1973. In 1975, Schwartz Farm Service moved to a newly built, steel framed building, where he and his employees also sold feed and seed and offered services like custom spraying and seed-cleaning. The business was sold in 1979. Besides enjoying the work of farming, he was an avid antique collector and belonged to various collector clubs. He loved to travel and visited a number of countries in the world. Fred was involved in local Democratic politics and served on the Levee Township town board. He also enjoyed entertaining, hosting and cooking for parties. He loved going to the movies, having gone to the movies with his dad most every Saturday when he was growing up. He especially enjoyed spending time with friends and family and his beloved grandchildren. He deeply loved and cared for animals including ducks, turkeys, cats and dogs. Mr. Schwartz owned three white "Westy" Terriers named, Frosty, Suzy and Angel. His beloved, Frosty, died just a few days before he did. His dream of a lasting gift to the city of Hannibal came true, as the city unveiled and dedicated the "Mark Twain - Riverboat Pilot" statue on July 4, 2003, on the banks of the Mississippi River. This statue and the gardens that he designed and developed are constant reminders of his great love for "America's Hometown." Mr. Schwartz was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church. Memorials may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church or Shriners Hospitals for Children, in care of Smith Funeral Home and Chapel. Online condolences can be offered to the family at www.smithfuneralhomeandchapel.com