Wayne Schwabecher

Born in Fresno on July 16, 1953, the miraculous journey of Wayne Schwabecher came to an end on August 20, 2025. Known by many as "Schwabee," Wayne led a life of principled individualism, narcissism and had an endearing love of family and all people. He lived life on his terms, which meant great times, great music, great people and a joy and love for all of our humanity and celebration of what makes life great in our short time on earth. He attended Wilson Elementary, Cooper Middle School and graduated from Fresno High School. Though not a personality suited for college, Wayne had an expressive interest in history and made sure no matter what your opinion was, it should be informed by "reading your history books."

Wayne's love of music took him to various Grateful Dead, Doobie Brothers, Allman Bros. and Little Feat concerts throughout the West Coast. His interest in enjoying life on his terms ultimately led him to help start and bartend at the infamous Wild Blue in the Tower District of Fresno. It was there where he met his 2nd wife, Suzanne, and started his family. He ultimately needed to get out of the bar and music game so he borrowed a little money, purchased a pipe threader, and started his own plumbing business which was named after his namesake, Schwabee's Plumbing. What started as a small trade business grew into a success story that allowed Wayne to support his family through their own journey. Though he never fully retired, Wayne was well known and beloved within the industry for his vast knowledge and interest in talking about anything except the trade.

Wayne had tremendous pride in his family and demonstrated unyielding love to all of those in his circle. He had the ability to find value in all people and never hesitated to give all a few extra moments of his time to tell a good story or make sure they had been heard. You knew right away that Wayne would never judge a soul and forgave immediately, which led all to feel at home with his unique stories, opinions and conversations. His limited frustrations in life were rooted in a belief that people should be taken care of-which as his genuine ethos likely motivated his relationships with all those that crossed his path. For all that met him, his strong personality and steep mutual interest in enjoying the present moment marked what likely is what makes Wayne such a legend. Wayne had a novel of hilarious, heart warming, heart breaking and experiential life stories that are in the thousands. It was only context that kept you from hearing all of them but if you had heard one (or many), you looked forward to seeing Wayne again to hear more.

It was no secret Wayne loved to live life to its fullest, enjoying what splendors and vices the world has given to us. But he was also a dedicated father, grandfather and friend. He was a poker ace, a drummer, a statesman, a story teller, a baseball lover and basketball marksman. He lit up the room, the world and everything around him. His laugh was outrageously loud and when you heard it, you couldn't help but join. He was at one point the mayor of the Tower District and we have no doubt his name and legend will go down and be remembered in all of our history books.

Wayne is preceded in death by his mother (Marie Schwabecher), father (Alexander Schwabecher) and brother (Alex Schwabecher). He is survived by his children and their spouses, Alexis Schwabecher (Jason), Brian Schwabecher (Emily) and Eric Schwabecher (Jenny). And his greatest love and source of hubris, Wayne is survived by his adored and adoring grandchildren: Liam (17), Archie (15), Campbell (14), Evie (12), Catherine (9), Emma (6), Avery (3) and Evan (3). He also leaves behind his dear friends and ex-wives Suzanne McTeer, Lynda Myers and step-daughter Kylie, and her two children, London (12) and Gage (5).

The family is inviting all to share stories and laugh. We invite those that knew Wayne, for better or worse, to join his graveside service at Mountain View Cemetery on Friday, September 12th at 10am and at his Celebration of Life on Saturday, September 13th from 5-9pm at Dulceinfront located at 2026 N. Van Ness Blvd., Fresno, California.