Rodney Schwarm

1948 - 2024

Rodney Dean Schwarm (Rod) passed away peacefully on September 30, 2024 at age 76. Rod was born to Pauline and Laurence Schwarm on March 26, 1948 in Larned, Kansas. Rod grew up on a beautiful 300 acre farm in Greensburg, Kansas with his two brothers Larry and David Schwarm. Rod learned the value of hard work very early helping his father harvest hay and vegetables; caring for over 400 sheep, horses, cows, and various different birds; and helping build structures or perform maintenance around the farm. Rod also helped his mother in the kitchen learning how to bake pies and cakes; can jellies; and cook comforting homemade country food with ingredients straight from the farm. As Rod grew he formed a love baking and animals as well as became a master wood craftsmen.

Rod joined the US Marines in 1966. While serving he earned the National Defense Service Medal; Vietnamese Service Medal; Combat Action Ribbon; Purple Heart Medal; Vietnamese Campaign Medal; Presidential Unit Citation M-14 Rifles Marksman; and Good Conduct Medal. After Rods service in the US Marines he spent time camping with his dog Ginger who stole his heart and you never saw Rod without Ginger by his side. Later, with a Bachelors degree in Biology, Rod worked for the Department of the Army in the US Army Corps of Engineers for over 20 years.

Rod married the love of his life, Diane Nack Schwarm, and they were married for 33 years. Together they had two boys named Cory and Tim Schwarm. Rod was a very loving husband and father. Rod handcrafted wood furniture for Diane including the tables in the family living room and was devoted to her every need including sitting by her bedside every day in the hospital during her multiple battles with cancer. Rod coached or attended every single sporting event for his two boys had and took them camping to 45 of 50 states. Rod also spent a lot of time teaching Tim how to paint and Cory how to work on cars. He adored the time with his sons and was always there when they needed him.



Rod was a member of the Havre De Grace Decoy Museum. He hand carved new decoys; repaired and restored decoys; and could be frequently found at decoy shows and events. He was also an avid painter and carpenter. His landscape portraits would take your breath away and many of Rod's family members have a rocking chair, bookcase, table, or corner cabinet that was handcrafted by him. Rod was known for his kindness to others and was the type of person that always made himself available to help a fellow neighbor, friend, or family member. No matter what they needed Rod found a way.

Rod is survived by his two sons Cory and Tim Schwarm as well as his two brothers Larry and David Schwarm. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends as well as others he touched throughout his life. His kindness will carry through for generations and he will hold a place in the hearts of many.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, October 12th from 11:00 am -12:00 pm at Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam located on 200 S. Harrison Street Easton, MD 21601. A funeral mass will take place at 1 pm at St. Joseph's Church Cordova, MD. Burial will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery.

Rod was such a giving person and consistency contributed to several charities. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Bonaventure Indian Mission and School (25 Navarre Blvd W, Thoreau, NM 87323); St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105); Operation Smile at John Hopkins University (3400 N. Charles St. Baltimore MD 21218); Easton Volunteer Fire Department (315 Leonard Rieck Drive Easton, MD 21601); or Talbot Paramedic Foundation (PO Box 2237 Easton, MD 216010).

For online condolences, please visit www.fhnfuneralhome.com.