Gary A. Schwent

Gary A. “Club” Schwent, 70, of Chester, Illinois, passed away at 9:10 am, Friday, May 3, 2019 at Memorial Hospital, Carbondale, Illinois.

He was born to the late Welton T. and Frances “Billie” (nee Link) Schwent on June 2, 1948 in Red Bud, Illinois.

Gary married Carolyn S. Brelje on July 20, 1974 in Chester, Illinois.

He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Chester and graduated from Chester High School in 1966. He participated in CHS basketball, baseball, and cross country. He attended Belleville Area College and graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He played baseball for two years at Southeast Missouri State University.

Gary began his teaching career at St. Mary’s Catholic School. Then he taught Jr. High Language Arts at Chester Grade School and retired in 2003 after a 33 year teaching career. During his teaching career he coached basketball and baseball for many years at Chester Grade School. He also refereed basketball for many years and managed Chester Swimming Pool for 30 years.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Chester, Illinois, Chester High School Athletic Hall of Fame, Knights of Columbus #3790, Chester Boat Club, Eagles Club Aerie #3252, Moose Lodge #1764, Elks Lodge #2701. Gary enjoyed attending and watching Cardinal games, boating, barbecuing, gardening, and spending time with his buddies.

Survivors:

Wife: Carolyn Schwent                                      Chester, IL

Sister: Jean (Clifford “Butch”) Jungewaelter        Chester, IL

Brother: Ronald “Cooter” (Margie) Schwent        Jackson, MO

Niece: Allison Jean Schwent                              Columbia, MO

Many Dear Friends

Preceded in Death by : Parents, Nephew-- Michael J. “Isaac” Jungewaelter, Step Mother-- Myrtle Schwent

Funeral: 10 :00 am, Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois

Officiating: Very Reverend Eugene H. Wojcik, V.F.

Interment: St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery

Chester, Illinois

Visitation: Monday – 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Tuesday – 7:30 am – 10:00am

Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois

Memorials : St. Mary’s Catholic School

Chester Boat Club

Chester Grade School Basketball/Baseball Programs

Donors Choice