Jerome T. Schwab
August 20, 1929 – September 14, 2019

Jerome T. Schwab was born to Rev. Walter H. and Hulda (Bender) Schwab on August 20, 1929 in Slater, MO. The family moved to California, MO where Jerome attended St. Paul’s Lutheran elementary school, and California High School. It was in California that a young Jerome took his first piano lesson, played for his first church service, and, perhaps most importantly, received his first Boston Terrier. Jerome graduated from California High School in 1947. He took a scenic route toward his Bachelor of Science degree in Education, which he earned from Concordia Teacher’s College, River Forest (now Concordia University Chicago) in 1954. He then earned a Master of Music in Church Music from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.

Jerry spent most of his life bringing the joy of music to others. After completing his degrees Jerry went on to serve as a teacher, organist, and choir director for Lutheran schools and churches in Missouri including: Messiah Lutheran Church and School, Independence; Grace Lutheran Church, Lexington; Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Emma; St. Paul’s Lutheran School, Sedalia; Lutheran High School, Kansas City; St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Independence; and, Peace Lutheran Church, Greenview. Jerry served as a Professor of Music and the College Choir Director at St. Paul’s College, Concordia, MO for twenty-six years. It was at St. Paul’s that Jerry hired a young piano instructor who would go on to become his wife of 51 years, Diana Holland.

Jerry passed away early in the morning on Saturday, September 14, 2019. He was at home with his wife and daughters (and a beloved Boston Terrier) by his side. His wishes were to be cremated, and to NOT have a funeral (he’d played for hundreds in his lifetime). His ashes will be interred at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Slater, MO where his parents and many other relatives are buried. Jerry is survived by his wife Diana, his daughter Julie (Sea) Atwood, his daughter Amy (Kevin) Whiting, his son Brad, his grandchildren Alex and Audrey Atwood, Zayne Schwab, and Grace and Eden Whiting.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Peace Lutheran Church in Greenview, MO, Ozarks Kat and K9 animal shelter, St. Paul’s Lutheran High School, Concordia, MO or The Kansas City Lutheran High School Choir and Band Tour.