Date Posted: 2007-04-02

Raymond L. Schwarz, 71, of Lexington, died Monday, April 2, 2007, at his home south of Lexington, with his family near his side. Visitation will be held Wednesday (today), April 4, 2007, from 2-5 p.m., at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington with wake service at 7 p.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church. Mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday, April 5, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Lexington with the Rev. Paul Colling officiating.

Burial will be in the St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery at Lexington. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home of Lexington is in charge of arrangements.   

Survivors include his wife, Judi Schwarz of Lexington; one son, Shane (Daphne) Schwarz of Elwood; three daughters, Deb White of Lexington, Kris (Scott) Hueftle of Holdrege, and Mindi (Shawn) Area of Overton; one stepdaughter, Rochelle (Darin) Zebell of Marshfield, Mo.; 13 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren, with one on the way; five brothers, Carl Schwarz and Mike (Sandra) Schwarz, both of Lexington, Keith (Cindy) Schwarz of Arapahoe, Kenny (Shirley) Schwarz of Elwood, and Eugene (Nancy) Schwarz of Ft. Collins, Colo.; two sisters, Alice (Floyd) Wenburg and Martha (Wally) Hubbard, both of Lexington; mother-in-law, Blanche Searls of Eustis; brother-in-law, Sam (Eva) Searls of Eustis; and sister-in-law, Terri (Marvin) Tridle of Surprise, Ariz.; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives; and two special friends, Merlin Holden and Joe Hernandez.   

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Harry and Bob; stepson, Chuck; father-in-law, Chick, and two infant children, Raymond Ernest and Sharol Lynn.   

Raymond was born July 4, 1935, at Smithfield, to Frank and Dorothy (Woodside) Schwarz. He was a graduate of Lexington High School with the class of 1953. Following graduation, he went to work for Paulsen Construction and Britton Construction. He then started Schwarz Brothers Construction with his brothers. Ray worked as a bricklayer until his health forced him to retire. He married Judi Searls on Oct. 22, 1988 at Kearney.He was a member of the Lexington Eagles Club and a social member of the Veteran's Memorial Club.     

Ray was a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church. Memorials are suggested to "Make a Wish Foundation," the American Cancer Society or donor's choice.