Gary Max Schwartz

With faith and peace in his heart, Gary Max Schwartz made his journey home to be with our Lord and Savior on November 3, 2025. He was born in Corpus Christi, on December 6, 1947. He was the eldest of three sons born to Margaret Eva and Max Eugene Schwartz. He was raised in Corpus Christi and attended Mary Carroll High School. He was a proud United States Army veteran.

In high school, Gary met the love of his life, Margaret Ann. They married in June 1969 and shared 47 beautiful years together until her passing in 2016. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, love, family, and service. They were devoted members of St. John's United Methodist Church, where they joyfully served as sponsors for UMYF, Sunday school teachers, and on many church committees.

In the early 1980s, Gary and Margaret founded Gary's Raiders, an organization dedicated to serving individuals with special needs through sports and community. This was a first of its kind in our community, and was founded largely in part to give their son and his friends a way to participate in Special Olympics events. What began as a small local effort grew into a lasting legacy - particularly the Gary's Raiders Bowling League, which continues to thrive more than 40 years later.

Known for his warm smile and generous spirit, Gary enjoyed his role as Santa Claus. He was a natural born Santa and loved Christmas time! He was able to bring so much joy to kids and adults alike!

Gary was an avid sports fan. He loved bowling, football, Nascar, and baseball. He was a season ticket holder for the CC Hooks for over 15 years. He loved going to the games, talking baseball with people in his section, booing the umps, and scooping up foul balls with his fishing net. He was fondly known as the Net Man by the fans! Along with being a sports fan, he was also an athlete! He played football in school, enjoyed fishing, played softball with several leagues, and loved bowling!

A true craftsman at heart, Gary was known as a talented mechanic, electrician, carpenter, and all around handyman. He prided himself on being able to fix just about anything. He never met a tool he didn't like or need!

Over the course of his career Gary was a mechanic, electrician by trade, and worked in the oilfield industry. He was employed by CCAD as a helicopter electrician for many years and retired in 2008. In retirement, Gary enjoyed the simple pleasures of life- spending time with family, helping others, attending church, bowling, and tinkering in his garages surrounded by the tools he loved!

Gary was an active member of United Methodist Men for many years, and was also a member of the Lion's organization, both here in Corpus Christi, and in Portland, Texas, as well.

Gary is preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Ann, his parents, Margaret E. and Max, and his younger brother, Steven Schwartz. He is survived by his family, daughter Lori (Rick) Ware, and son Eric Schwartz, his grandchildren, Dalton (Kali) Ware, and Kylee Ware (Ryan Carrion), and his great grandson, Kipton Carrion, close friend Sandra Sedillo, many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation is on Monday, November 17, 2025 at Seaside Funeral Home Chapel from 5-8pm. Funeral services will be held at St. Luke's UMC on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 12pm (noon), followed by burial at 2pm at the Veteran's Cemetery.

Gary's life was one of service, love, and joy-a life well-lived and well-loved. His legacy will continue to shine through the countless lives he touched and the spirit of kindness and laughter he shared with everyone he met.

Serving as pallbearers are Rick Ware, Dalton Ware, Ryan Carrion, Eleasar Jaime, Brandon Mitchell, and Nicholas Black.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charitable foundation or St. Luke's UMC in his honor.