Joe Deacon Schwertner

Deacon Joe Schwertner, 87, of Dumas, passed away on Monday, July 3, 2017. The rosary will be recited at 7 o'clock in the evening on Friday, July 7, 2017 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Mass will be celebrated at 10 o'clock in the morning on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at the church with Father Gabriel Garcia and Msgr. Tim Schwertner as celebrants. The family will receive friends prior to the rosary from 6 o'clock until 7 o'clock in the evening on Friday at the church. Interment will be in Northlawn Memorial Gardens under the direction of Morrison Funeral Directors. Joe was born on June 1, 1930 in Jarrell, Texas to Rudolph and Mary (Kuba) Schwertner. On January 23, 1954, Joe was united in marriage to Bernice Miller in Trinidad, Colorado. Joe proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict, where he worked in the engine room on the ship. After his service in the military, he worked for eight years for Santa Fe Railroad in Slaton. He began his life as a farmer upon moving to Reagan County, near Big Lake, TX. He continued farming in Sherman County near Texhoma, TX and then in Dumas where they have lived since 1978. Joe was ordained as a deacon of the Diocese of Amarillo on August 7, 1988. Joe performed countless baptisms, weddings and other ceremonies for the church. He was blessed to meet Pope John Paul II twice in both San Antonio and San Francisco. He was also a very accomplished woodworker; making and donating numerous items for Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and other churches around the panhandle. As a dedicated farmer, he was active in the American Agriculture Movement when driving in a Tractorcade all the way to Washington, DC. Joe will be most remembered for his very welcoming spirit and his warm heart. Joe was a member of the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus since 1949 and VFW Post 9022. He is preceded in death by his parents; son: Thomas; brothers: Alvin, Hubert, Rudy, August and Lawrence; sisters: Ella, Hermina, Sister Martha and Mary. Joe is survived by wife Bernice of the home; son: Bruce Schwertner of Amarillo; daughters: Colette Schwertner Loer (Dutch) of San Antonio, Nancy Schwertner Garnett (Eric) of Dumas and Paula Schwertner of Amarillo: brothers: Bruno Schwertner of Clarendon and Msgr. Tim Schwertner of Stanton; sister: Agnes Kitten of Lubbock; grandchildren: Brian Loer, Ben Loer (Rachel), Jenni Morin (Rob), Andrea Loer; great granddaughter: Anna Loer; numerous other nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. The family suggests with gratitude that memorials be made to the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Building Fund, PO Box 503, Dumas TX 79029.