A celebration in honor of Kenneth Albert Schwarz, 66, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 4th at Lawrence Free Methodist Church in Lawrence, Kansas. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Lawrence, Kansas. Ken’s family will greet guests on Tuesday, April 3rd from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home at a closed-casket visitation.
Ken joined his grandson, Ryan James Walker, in heaven on Saturday, March 31st, after a brief battle with cancer, at his home surrounded in love by his family.
Ken will always be remembered for his sweet spirit, fierce love of family, hard work ethic, and the friendly wave he had for anyone who honked as they drove by the old green pickup parked by one of the many customers he serviced with his business, K&K Lawn Service.
Ken was born on December 1, 1945 to Albert & Neva Freeland Schwarz in Lawrence, Kansas. Ken grew up in Baldwin City, Kansas. He married Karron June Schwarz on February 17, 1979. She survives of the home. He is also survived by a daughter, Colleen Walker, and husband, Ted of Lawrence; son, Ron Ferguson of Hutchinson, Kansas and Dawn Ferguson of Haven, Kansas. Kenneth is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Sarah McIntosh and husband Randy of Smithville, MO; T.J. Walker of Eureka, California; Brittany Welch of Newton, Kansas; Andrew Welch of Mount Hope, Kansas; and great-grandson, Gavin Ryan McIntosh. He is survived by brothers, Dale Schwarz and wife, Phylis of Baldwin City, Kansas; Robert Schwarz and wife Patty of Adams, Wisconsin; and sister, Marian Hesser of Baldwin City, Kansas. He is also survived by nephews, Jonathan Schwarz and wife, Staci, of Lawrence, Kansas; and Daniel Schwarz and wife, Jeanne, of Raymore, Missouri; Allan Reeder of Mesa, Arizona; Tim Schwarz and wife, Joy, of Adams, Wisconsin; David Schwarz and wife, Lynn, of Baraboo, Wisconsin. Ken is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved grandson, Ryan James Walker.
Ken graduated from Baldwin High School in 1963. He served in the Army National Guard from May 1963 until June 1967. He was also involved in the Greater Wichita GTO Club and the GTO Association of America. Ken was employed at Lawrence Paper Company for 34 years. Ken and Karron have owned and operated K&K Lawn Service since 1990. Granddaughter, Sarah, and husband, Randy McIntosh will continue operating the business. Ken was passionate about his business and his clients and set a high standard for customer service.
The family suggests memorials in Ken’s name to the Ryan Walker Jazz Band Memorial in care of the Lawrence Schools Foundations at 110 McDonald Drive, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Messages & Condolences
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To all of Kenny’s family, I offer my heartfelt sympathy.
I had only seen Kenny once since high school but it was at a wonderful time, a great class reunion. Kenny was the most handsome man in the room and had his beautiful Karron at his side.
He is one of my fondest high school memories that I will always remember for the twinkle in his eye and a genuine smile .
The stars won’t blink quite as brightly without him.
Good bye Kenny.
Nola
Karron;
You and Kenny mowed my dads lawn (Bill Leonard on Atchison) for many years, and continued doing so even after he passed away. I met you both infrequently as I live in South Carolina, but enjoyed talking to you and Kenny when I was around. You both carved a special place in his heart and he talked fondly about you both often. He truly enjoyed having you visit and looked forward to seeing you every two weeks or so. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
It was a beautiful service today for a great man!!!! My thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this very difficult time. I was always proud to have him as a cousin.
To Karron and family and to siblings of Kenneth – I am so glad I got see you all at our last Schwarz reunion in 2011 while back in the midwest. May your memories and love give you all strength and peace during this painful time of losing Kenneth. Many people are thinking of you all. Marilyn in AZ
Karron and Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Ken will be missed by the many, many people whose lives he touched. All of you are in my thoughts during this difficult time.
Linda Kay
Schwarz Family:
I’m truly sorry for your loss and sending prayers and love your way.
Barbara (Barbie) Tuckel-Wolford and Family
Dear Karron,
I am so very sorry to learn of your loss. My prayers and loving thoughts go out to you and your family.
Kathryn
So very sad to hear of Ken’s passing. I lived next door to you for several years on Chisholm. He was such a kind and hard-working man. Very, very sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss. I know all too well how difficult this time is, and your family is in our prayers.
Darren
God received another of his dearest angels on Saturday. We know that Ryan was there to hug him and greet him. Ken will be dearly missed by endless people in Lawrence, but mostly by you, his dear family. Ken always had a beaming smile and a wave and always had time for a quick chat while he was out and about. He was a rock. How any human could work as hard as Ken (and Karron) still baffles us, but he DID. Please know how much we love you and will hold you in our prayers. You ALL mean so much to our family. Jim and Alison Nye and family.
Our deepest condolences to you and yours.
We will miss Ken. We always appreciated his friendship and meticulous care of our lawn for over two plus decades.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tom and Phyllis Lewin
Dear Karron,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Peace and Blessings,
Sabine
Dear Karron,
May God surround you with His loving arms and comfort you.
Terese