David "Dave" L. Schwartz

December 12, 1942 - October 27, 2020

David "Dave" L. Schwartz, 77, of Walnut Hill, passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at 10:34 P.M. at St. Louis University Hospital. He was born December 12, 1942, the son of Matthew and Pauline (Larsh) Schwartz at St. Mary Hospital in Centralia, Illinois. He married his high school sweetheart, Anne Marie Carl on December 28, 1963 at St. Mary Church in Centralia, Illinois and she survives him. In addition to his loving wife of 56 years, David is survived by their three sons: Greg (Sharon), Jeff (Kelly), and John (Sandy); Nine grandchildren: Laura (Brad) Sanders, Ethan (Nancy), Aaron (Lauren), Raigen, Kenadi, David, Paul, Albert and Caroline Schwartz; Two great-grandchildren: Zoey Shipley and Corbyn Sanders. David is also survived by four brothers: Steve (Linda), Phil (Debbie), Tom (Nancy) and Tony; a sister: Sara Jean (Steve) Smith; two sisters-in-law: Carolyn Kimley and Kathy Miller; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Ruth Ann. David attended St. Mary School and graduated from Centralia Township High School in 1960. He graduated from Centralia Junior College in 1962 and Southern Illinois University - Carbondale in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture. He was employed by the Illinois Department of Agriculture as a Marketing Specialist and retired after 35 years of service. David was a member of St. Mary Church and the Knights of Columbus. He was a very loyal Democrat, who served on the Marion County Board, Centralia Township Board, Marion County Housing Board, Elderly Housing Board, Marion County Farm Assessment Board, and the Board of Directors of South Central Transit. David was a lifelong farmer, who was most happiest when he was on his tractor. He believed deeply in the strength of family and friendship and was always there when needed. He was very proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. David will be greatly missed by all who loved him. A Private Family Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, November 2, 2020 at at 12:00 PM at St. Mary Catholic Church in Centralia with Father Steven Pautler, Monsignor David Darin and Very Rev. James Nall, JCL officiating. For those who would like to view the Mass of Christian Burial live, please visit St. Mary Church Facebook Page. All friends and relatives are invited to a drive-thru, no contact visitation for David “Dave L. Schwartz on Monday, November 2, 2020 from 9:30-11:30 AM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia. When arriving at the funeral home, please come through the east alleyway of the funeral home and the funeral home staff will be outside to direct vehicles through the line under the funeral home's north canopy. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary School or the Wounded Warriors Project and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Schwartz Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home Facebook Page.