Scot Joseph Schwartz was born August 11, 1968, in Lawrence, KS. Being the youngest son of Don and Jane Schwartz, he grew up on the family farm west of Baldwin, with his brother Greg and sister Carrie. He went to Baldwin schools and graduated from Baldwin High School in 1986. He then attended Baker University, totally enjoying his college experience, graduating with his Bachelor’s degree in music education in 1991. He later earned a Masters of Education at Mid America Nazarene University and an endorsement for English Language Learners from Emporia State.
Scot learned the science of teaching but was a natural with the art of teaching. Beginning his career in Highland and then Douglas, he spent the majority of his time at Rising Star Elementary and then Shawnee Mission Northwest. He was known for the musicals he wrote for his sixth graders, his engaging teaching style, taking his high school choirs all over the U.S. and his multiple awards for being an outstanding educator. He was also an adored and beloved colleague.
Vacation Bible School was a summer highlight. He shared his talents leading the music and was the reason some kids may have been told to go on Monday but then chose to go back the rest of the week. It was a revival for all who participated.
Scot finished his professional life in real estate, finding great joy in helping families find just the right home. He also shared his talents by singing with the KC Symphony Chorus and volunteering with the Silverlink Ministry, providing music for worship services at nursing homes.
He is survived by his parents, brother Greg, (Kelly) sister Carrie Enick, and faithful life friend Stephanie Hill, nieces and nephews, Charley Jo Pittenger (Brett), Camdon Schwartz (Madison), Hayley Schwartz, Jacob Enick (Jamie), Major Rachael Borrero, (Ericko), and Callie McDaniel, (Kyle). As well as 11 great nieces and nephews, and his constant four-legged companion, Lacy. He is preceded in death by his brother-in-law Dale Enick.
Many others were on the receiving end of Scot’s compassionate and caring nature. He was a giant beacon of light and life, filled with unwavering faith. His laughter and wisdom were a gift to those around him. Cancer took his body, but his legacy lives on in the thousands of students that will think of him when they sing, the friends and neighbors who will continue to gather on the patio for food and fellowship, the COR Delivery Saints who will now be delivering backpacks without him, and the family dinners where he always exclaimed, “oh, this is delicious!”
Two services will be held: Monday December 29, 10:30 AM at Worden Cornerstone Church, 294 E. 900th Rd, Baldwin City, KS. Livestream available on the church Facebook page; https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064794128261
Tuesday December 30, 4:00 PM at Church of the Resurrection, Leawood – Wesley Chapel 13720, Roe Ave., Leawood, KS. Livestream available at cor.org/memorialsonline
The family suggests memorial contributions to A Cure in Sight (acureinsight.org), supporting research, patient services and raising awareness of Ocular Melanoma and Baker University, music education scholarship.
Soar on, Scott.
I did not know Scot well, we met when we worked at the KW office. Even in the short amount of time I worked with Scot, I instantly knew he was just a super good guy. I wish I could’ve know him better. Sending my condolences to his family and friends.
While on a Baker University Concert Choir spring tour in 1987, Scot and I met on a bus after he informed me I couldn’t recline my seat because of his long legs. After that first wacky conversation, I knew I’d made a friend for life. We were bonded by music and so many other things, and partnered for a short stint as professional wedding singers. For nearly 40 years, he was one of my most supportive friends. He was talented, kind, crazy funny, and one of the most amazing people I will ever know. I love you, my friend. And I will always miss you.
My love and prayers to the Schwartz family. He adored you all.
Scot DEFINITELY made a positive impact on everyone that interacted with him! He was optimistic, friendly, kind, compassionate, a skilled and talented musician/music educator, and had a tremendous sense of humor. I am fortunate and thankful to have known him as a music colleague in the Shawnee Mission School District.
Scot truly was a light in this world. Whether he was showing love to the people around him or doting on his sweet dog, Lacy, his heart was always wide open.
One of the things I’ll miss most is his yearly gift of curated Christmas music. It wasn’t just a playlist; it was a piece of him that he shared with all of us.
Sweet notes, Scot. Keep the music playing.
Scot is a part of my group of friends. I worked with Scot at Shawnee Mission Northwest, and we were a part of the group that everyone called The Lunch Bunch. Scot always brought his humor and charm to lunch, so when he left our school, our friendship continued. This past year, we had a standing monthly happy hour gathering and our yearly Italian dinner. We saw him at that dinner on Thursday a few days before he died. He was all dressed up in a tweed jacket and hat. He always made an effort to hang out with us. I will miss his physical presence, but he continues to be an important friend who always supported me.
Don, Jane and family,
Our sincere sympathy to all
of your family on the passing of Scot. He was such a
pleasant person and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
I am very saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Schwartz. He instilled the love of music and choir in me since elementary school at Rising Star. He always was patient and understanding, giving every student a chance and reason to love music, including writing full musicals for us all to participate in. I was so glad that I got to continue to see him throughout highschool at different choir events and he was always warm and welcoming to every student he ever had. He was a very talented and phenomenal teacher and a great person. I know there is a special place in Heaven for him to continue and share his wonderful music. Rest in peace 💙
Sorry for your loss. Prayer to the family.
So sorry for your loss. Our daughter was in school with Scot. She also sends her condolences. (Julie Brown) Beerbower
Scot remains an incredible mentor, friend, and teacher in my life. In the time we shared, we connected over so much. Long walks with Miss Lacy, our mutual love for Mexican food, all things automobiles, and deep conversations about life’s inevitable curveballs, to name a few. Honorable mention to our shared adoration of car washes and vacuuming.
While I may have only been a part of his life for a chapter, he was part of mine for a much larger one, and I am deeply saddened to have lost such a meaningful presence.
Of all the wisdom Scot shared with me, this quote remains one of my favorites:
“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
Scot served as a bright light not only for myself, but for countless others he graced with his presence. While grief isn’t an easy process for any of us, I will continue to honor him by striving to be that same light for others, because I know that is exactly what he would have wanted. Sending an abundance of love and prayers to his family and friends during this time. ❤️
Dear Family and Friends of Scot
We all share sadness now knowing we will not share kind words, good times or that happy smile…all things we remember about Scot.
I served with Scot at Resurrection Church on the Delivery Saint Team. Scot often joined us when his work schedule allowed. Scot also performed with the Kansas City Chorus doing Messiah performances with the KC symphony. His musical talent and education were shared.
Scot told us ways he and other family members did their best to care for aging parents. Just another expression of his caring heart.
So we look forward to a celebration of Scot’s life.
Well lived in Academic Achievement.. Musical Talent.. Business.. and love for others..
Scot so glad for our friendship and time we spent serving others.
Condolences… Joined in time to be united again when time shall matter no more..
Bruce Gaddis
I was one of the many lucky students to have Mr. Schwartz as a choir teacher at Rising Star. My memories of choir and musicals are filled with so much joy thanks to him! Rest in paradise Mr. Schwartz.
Scot was a wonderful man who joked and carried on conversations with all. I worked at Rising Star when he did for 17 years. I give my sympathy to all his family and friends. We definitely lost a good one. Fly high Scot.
I was one of Scott schwarz, neighbors. When he moved in we became very good friends. We learned to really love Scott
We knew he felt the same. STEPHANIE, know who we are.
Julia and Joe from Bradshaw.
Mom always said Scot was a special person and one of her favorites. We offer our condolences to the family.
Don, Jane, and family, we are so sorry for your loss..
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Scot was a lighthouse to so many of us—quietly steady, full of warmth, and always pointing others toward what truly matters. Through music, teaching, volunteering, and friendship, he reflected the light and love of Christ in ways that made hearts feel lighter and smiles shine brighter. In college, through the Zeta Chi Fraternity, he was a big brother to me; in life, he was a patient encourager who invested deeply and intentionally in friendships, lifting others up wherever he went with his joy and contagious laughter. Scot sang at my wedding, his incredible voice elevating the ceremony, and he went on to teach not only music but meaningful life lessons to countless students whose lives were impacted beyond measure because of him. I know his song continues now, as he sings with the angels in heaven.
Scot was a truly wonderful human. We were saddened to hear of his passing. His laughter and friendship will be missed by many! Our deepest condolences to the family.
So sorry, thinking of you all….Duane and Susie Lyon
Lincoln once said, “It’s not the amount of years in one’s life. It’s the amount of life in one’s years. At the young age of 57, dear Scot practiced that principle. His laughter and wisdom was a gift to those around him.
I had the pleasure of working with Scot in the backpack ministry, and his presence on Thursday mornings motivated the entire team. His courage and strong faith as he continued to battle this horrible disease were truly inspirational. Sending prayers for God’s comfort to envelop his family and friends, with the knowledge that we will all see him when our time on this earth is finished. He will be missed by all.