Patrick H. Schwartz passed over the chilly divide (as he and his father liked to say) on February 13, 2019.
He was born in Enid, OK on July 16, 1952, to William (Bill) and Norma (Dolly) Schwartz. Pat grew up in Crescent and Kingfisher. He graduated from Kingfisher High School in 1970 and then attended the University of Oklahoma.
Pat was afflicted by polio when he was two years old, ravaging his lower body and requiring him to learn to walk again following his recovery. He subsequently underwent multiple surgeries, resulting in repeated months spent on crutches, in casts, and in wheelchairs, in addition to learning to walk again and again.
Persevering despite these difficulties, Pat became a fireman and paramedic for the City of Kingfisher, as well as a policeman. He completed his many years of public service as a corrections officer for the U. S. Bureau of Prisons where he was an accomplished hostage negotiator and trained sniper and traveled the nation in that capacity.
He also was a volunteer and CPR instructor for the American Red Cross for many years. While serving in that capacity, he worked triage at one of the most horrific events in this nation – the Murrah building bombing in downtown Oklahoma City.
At a young age, Patrick taught himself to speed read and often read 7-10 books per week, becoming both a military and war historian. He could work a crossword puzzle with the best of them. He possessed a keen wit and sense of humor, always having a story or joke for you or a one-liner response for your comments. He also was an avid John Wayne fan and often compared himself to The Duke.
Pat loved his family, his rock and roll, Sooner football and especially his dogs, all of them (Wiggles, Scooter, Gabby, HaleighJane, Socks and Claudette). His greatest joy, though, was taking care of his granddaughter, Cheyenne after his retirement.
Patrick is predeceased by his parents, Bill and Dolly, and his younger sister, Paula Owner.
Patrick is survived by his wife of 36 years, Shirley, of the home; daughter, Lynda Sue Beard and granddaughter, Cheyenne of Yukon; older brother, Michael of Yukon; younger sister, Ruthie Rahmlow and husband Gary of Kansas City, MO and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members. He is also survived by his best friend and compadre, Michael Tonemah of Yukon.
A day of recalling memories and good times with family and friends will be celebrated on May 5 at his cousin Marvin’s pavilion in Crescent.
Online condolences may be signed at http://www.yandafuneral.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Yanda & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Yukon, OK.
