Stanley Adolph Schwertner

Stanley Adolph Schwertner Sunrise: August 28, 1916 Sunset: January 23, 2007 Stanley Adolph Schwertner, 90, rancher, educator, artist, beloved husband, father, and "Papa", passed peacefully from this world surrounded by the love of his entire family on January 23, 2007, in Bartlett, Texas. Born August 28, 1916, in Schwertner, Texas, to John B. and Irene Schwertner, Mr. Schwertner spent his childhood wrapped in the security of the large pioneering Schwertner family and, with his many cousins, whiled away carefree days on the banks of Donahue Creek. As a youth, he helped his father by breaking numerous horses and mules for sale to local farmers, and he often regaled his family with stories of driving stock across country from Schwertner to Belton for market. After graduation from Bartlett High School, Mr. Schwertner graduated in 1937 from Southwest Texas State Teachers' College with a Bachelor of Science in education. Blessed with a beautiful tenor voice honed while entertaining pickers in the cotton fields to avoid actually picking cotton himself, he treasured his days singing with and often directing the SWTSC chorale group. Following his first teaching stint at Liberty Hill, Texas, at the outset of World War II, Mr. Schwertner volunteered for the U.S. Army Air Corp. His next life adventure took him to the border of Texas and Mexico, where a position as a Border Patrolman led to a lifelong love affair with the Mexican culture. Back in central Texas and teaching at Lampasas High School, Mr. Schwertner met and married Melba Yeary on October 4, 1947, at First Methodist Church, with the Reverend George McCrary officiating. A highlight of Mr. Schwertner's years of teaching in Lampasas was directing the high school choral group. Always one to relish a challenge, he was most proud of directing one particular Christmas program which included the Lampasas band, chorale group, and a live Nativity complete with bleating sheep, lowing cows, and a braying donkey. In 1949 Mr. Schwertner earned his Master's Degree at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas, and in 1951 he moved his family, which now included a son and a daughter, back home onto his ranch west of Schwertner, where he resided until two weeks prior to his death. From 1951 to 1963 Mr. Schwertner taught at Bartlett High School where his duties included instructing students in English, speech, Spanish, and journalism, as well as sponsoring the library, newspaper, yearbook, U.I.L. events, and accompanying many senior classes on memorable senior trips. Several one act plays directed by Mr. Schwertner competed at the state level, yet another highlight in his life. Following post-graduate studies at Southwest Texas University, he received his guidance counseling certification and served as the Bell County Cooperative Guidance Counselor until his retirement from the field of education on January 1, 1977. As was his nature, following his retirement, Mr. Schwertner eagerly pursued new life challenges. From 1978 to 1993 he served on the Youth Activities Board of the Order of the Sons of Hermann, and was instrumental in the construction of the Hilltop Boys' Camp in Comfort, Texas. Deciding to pursue a lifelong yen to paint, Mr. Schwertner soon became a dedicated and talented artist, and enjoyed his membership in the Buchanan Dam Arts and Crafts Society in Buchanan Dam, Texas. His Texas landscapes are now treasured by his family and friends. Mr. Schwertner also served for many years on the Board of Directors of the Schwertner State Bank and was a founding member of the Schwertner Community Club. Mr. Schwertner's favorite times were spent in his community and at home on his ranch surrounded by family, friends, and livestock. Mr. Schwertner is survived by his wife of 59 years, Melba, of Schwertner, Texas; son, John Schwertner of Schwertner; daughter Lisa Schwertner Kretzschmar and husband G.E. (Sonny) Kretzschmar of Georgetown, Texas; beloved grandson John Karl Kretzschmar of College Station, Texas; beloved granddaughter Genevieve Irene Schwertner of Austin, Texas; and scores of loving relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, and grandchild Sean Christopher Schwertner. Mr. Schwertner and his family would like to thank the staff of Will-O-Bell Nursing Home in Bartlett and the staff of 4 West at Scott and White Hospital, particularly Dr. Shah, Dr. Miller, and Robin Deedert, for their compassionate care. We also owe a debt of gratitude to the Scott and White Hospice for making Mr. Schwertner's last day of transition as secure and comfortable as possible. Visitation for Mr. Schwertner will be held at Goodnight Funeral Home in Bartlett, Texas, on Thursday, January 25, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Bartlett, Texas, on Friday, January 26, at 10:00 a.m. with the Rev. LiAnne Turner officiating assisted by Dr. Jack Riley. Pallbearers are Randall Schwertner, Scott Krueger, Victor Marek, John Miller, Bill Boyd, and John Karl Kretzschmar. Honorary pallbearers are Kenneth Johnson, Tommy Krueger, Leroy Schwertner, and Kent Liming. Special music will be provided by Megan & Ronnie Prellop and Kent & Brett Liming. Burial will be at the Bartlett City Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Schwertner Community Club, Schwertner, Texas; the Buchanan Dam Arts and Crafts Society, Buchanan Dam, Texas; or the First United Methodist Church, Bartlett, Texas. The world has lost a gregarious and erudite man of wisdom, wit, charisma, and unquenchable spirit, and we will miss him each and every day. Goodnight Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.