Donald Lee Schwarz Sr., 77, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2024. He was born on April 20, 1947, in Niangua, Missouri, to Herman and Annabelle (Ross) Schwarz and graduated from Tri-County High School in Plainfield, Wisconsin. A veteran of the Vietnam War, Don served honorably in the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. He earned several medals and commendations for his service.
On July 2, 1966, he married his high school sweetheart, Theresa Rose Billman, in Plainfield, Wisconsin. Returning from military service, he farmed the family farm in Hancock, Wisconsin. In 1980, the family moved to Oklahoma. Don worked for Broken Arrow Public Schools until his retirement in 2012. Don enjoyed traveling, Sunday drives with the family, reading, gardening, building and repairing things, and good conversation.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Theresa; son, Donald Jr. (Satia) Schwarz of Tulsa, Oklahoma; grandsons Josiah and Zachary also of Tulsa, Oklahoma; daughter Brenda Lee (Craig) Shaull of Jonesborough, Tennessee; grandson Joshua Paus and great granddaughter Rylan Paus, great grandson Baylor Paus of Tulsa, Oklahoma; granddaughter Savannah Shaull of Jonesborough, Tennessee; daughter Monica Williams of Dallas, Texas; granddaughter Sydney (Jaime) Pruett and great grandsons Jase, Jasper, Jackson of Dallas, Texas; granddaughter Alexis Williams of Austin, Texas; granddaughter Regan (Jose) Palomo of Dallas, Texas; granddaughter Morgan of Dallas, Texas; grandson Wyatt Williams of Dallas, Texas; daughter Marcia Perez of Tulsa, Oklahoma; granddaughter Josefa Perez and grandson Enzo Perez also of Tulsa, Oklahoma; daughter Christina Schwarz of the home; son Jonathan (Robyn) Schwarz of Tucson, Arizona; grandson Jacob, granddaughter Anna, grandson Thomas also of Tucson, Arizona; his siblings; brother Karl (Marcy) Schwarz of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin; sister Lois (Dick) Klein of Tucson, Arizona; sister Lorene Allen of Waunakee, Wisconsin.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, sister Alene Losey, sister Geneva Humphrey, sister Evelyn Beggs, son-in-law Wilson Perez, grandson Jeremy Paus, and granddaughter Marisol Perez.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Don leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and dedication to his family. His presence will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A funeral service will be held at 10 am on November 19, 2024, at Fitzgerald Funeral Services, Southwood Colonial Chapel, Tulsa, OK, where family and friends will gather to celebrate his life and the many ways he touched their hearts. A Graveside service with Military honors will follow at 1:30 pm at Fort Gibson National Cemetery, Fort Gibson, OK.