John Schwing, 1926-2019

Funeral service for John Schwing was held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019 at Hubbard Chapel Baptist Church with Brother Rick Ellington officiating. Graveside service followed at Myrtle Springs Cemetery.

John Harold Schwing was born on July 26, 1926 in Johnstown, Penn. to John Adolf and Lona Lee (Hollyfield) Schwing. He grew up in the Houston area, graduating from Austin High School in 1943. Upon graduation John attended Texas A&M University and later worked as a merchant marine traveling to Hawaii and Germany. He served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper and worked many years for Southwestern Bell as a second line supervisor. His career highlights included directing the installation of the phone system in the Astrodome and at NASA which made the call to the moon to Neil Armstrong. He was a member of Hubbard Chapel Baptist Church and the Northeast Texas Paratroopers Association. John loved life and felt blessed in so many ways. On his 80th birthday, he made his last jump from an airplane.

John passed away at his home Tuesday night, Feb. 5, 2019.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John Adolf and Lona Lee Schwing; daughter, Anita Schwing; and great-grandson, Declan O’Toole.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 51 years, Carrol Schwing of Quitman; two daughters, Kathy Cain and husband Michael of Austin and Karen Champion of Santa Fe; five grandchildren, Jacob Nunn, Leigh Anne O’Toole, Garrett Champion, Meredith Champion and Travis Champion; and four great-grandchildren, James Champion, Rose Nunn, Oliver Champion and Emerson O’Toole.

Serving as pallbearers are Jacob Nunn, Travis Champion, Billye Thompson, Robert Sharp, J. C. Vance and Steven Sandifer.

In lieu of flowers, John wished that donations be made to the HBC Nursery Account, P.O. Box 1520, Quitman, TX 75783.