Eugene A. Schwarz, 79, of Fort Collins, Colorado, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 16, 2024, at his home as the result of a house fire.
He was born on June 6th, 1945, to Frank and Dorothy (Woodside) Schwarz of Smithfield, Nebraska. “Gene” was the ninth child of ten born to Frank and Dorothy. When Gene was young the family moved to Lexington. Gene graduated from St. Anns High School in 1963 and completed his education at the Grand Island School of Business. On August 14th, 1965, Gene was united in marriage to Virginia “Ginny” Carbaugh at the St. Anns Catholic Church in Lexington. The couple had five children, Paul, Kim, Jeff, Becky and Bradley. The couple would later divorce.
Gene managed his own accounting business with his brother Keith for several years, then went to work for his brothers Raymond, Mike and Kenny at Schwarz Brothers Construction and Masonry. For several years Gene played the drums in the band Mel Uphoff and the Country Lads with his brothers, Keith and Kenny. After construction, Gene went to work at the First National Bank of Elm Creek, managing the insurance agency. He moved his family from Overton to Elm Creek. In 1984 he began his own insurance agency in Elm Creek and later that year moved his family back to Lexington. He then went to work for Carey Masonry in Ft. Collins, Colorado and moved his family there. During his later years, Gene maintained his accounting business and worked odd jobs including security in the Ft. Collins area. On January 5th, 1996, Gene was united in marriage to Nancy Whitaker in Ft. Collins and lovingly accepted her two children, Lindsay and Matthew, into his life.
Gene enjoyed following his children’s many sporting events and was a huge fan and supporter of the Elm Creek Buffalos while they lived there. He was also a member of the Elm Creek Volunteer Fire Department, a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Lions Club. Gene also served on the Elm Creek Village Board for several years. When the family moved back to Lexington, he did his best to follow his children’s sporting events and transitioned into a big Minuteman fan for his children. Gene enjoyed spending time with his family, camping, hunting, and fishing. He enjoyed traveling back to Nebraska to watch bull ridings and rodeos. He was always asking for pictures and videos of different bulls and his favorite was a bull named Pappy. He joked that the bull was named after him. Gene was known for his huge smile, his pranks and his joke telling. His large, wonderful laugh and strong bear hugs will truly be missed.
Gene was proceeded in death by his parents, Frank and Dorothy Schwarz, wife Nancy, his in-laws James and Wanda Carbaugh, brothers Harry, Carl, Robert, Raymond and Keith and sister Alice Wenburg. Sisters-in-law, Phyllis, Lucy, Helen, Darlene, Sandra, and Shelby. Brother-in-law Floyd Wenburg.
Gene is survived by his sons, Paul (Billie) Schwarz, Jeff Schwarz, and Bradley Schwarz and daughters Kim Ellis and Becky Titus, his stepchildren Lindsay (Preston) Peterson and Matthew (Heather) Grippen. His brothers Mike Schwarz and Kenny (Shirley) Schwarz sister Martha (Wally) Hubbard, sisters-in-law Judi and Cindy. Grandchildren Zachary (Stacey) Schwarz, Anastacia (Omar) Moreno, Jeffrey Schwarz, RJ (Amary) Ellis, Sadie (Jordan) Ley, Cody (Bridget) Ellis, Nina Titus, Levi Ellis, Sayde Titus, Fiona Titus, Caleb (Kaylee) Schwarz, Raylinn Ellis, Isabelle Schwarz, and Gunnar Titus. Step Grandchildren Valerie (Robert) Carmody, Melissa (Aaron) Galvan, Vanessa (Zachary) Larimore, Chianne Rodriguez, and Clay (Courteney) Trejo and 23 great grandchildren, and numerous beloved nephews and nieces.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Lexington with Father Jose Chavez, officiating.
A Private Family Burial will be held at St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials are kindly suggested to the family for later designation.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com