Jerry Schwab

Jerry R. Schwab, 81, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, in hospice at Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.

Jerry Schwab

Jerry Schwab

He was born Nov. 10, 1941, in St. Louis to Alvin John and Della Lange Schwab.

He was the youngest of three children and baptized into the family of faith Dec. 7, 1941. At the age of 3, his family moved to Jackson, where he attended St. Paul Lutheran School through the seventh grade. His family then moved to Cape Girardeau, where he attended Trinity Lutheran School. He later graduated from College High School in 1959, where he made many lifelong friends.

On Sept. 2, 1967, Jerry married the former Phyllis Knight at St. Andrew Lutheran Church. She survives, along with their son, Dr. Jeffrey (Katie) Schwab of Marietta, Georgia, and daughter, Kelly (Scott) Drew of Waco, Texas.

He is also survived by a sister, Dorothy Pensel, and sisters-in-law, Laverne Schwab of Jackson and Marian Clymer of Cape Girardeau, along with many nieces and nephews. He was the proud Papa of six grandchildren who loved him dearly: Ansley, Bennett and Emmy Schwab of Marietta and Mackenzie, Peyton and Brody Drew of Waco.

In 1975, after 10 years as a salesman at Sears, Jerry pursued his dream of owning and operating his own business when he and Richard Shockley created Service Four Inc. This corporation owned several car washes and service stations. Additionally, in 1980, they created Capetown RV Sales. In 1988, Jerry and Phyllis started Service Four Equipment Inc., and Jerry became one of Magic Wand's leading national car wash equipment distributors, serving a five-state area. They also owned Quality Car Washes. Known for his honesty, hard work ethic and integrity, he was blessed with more than 40 years as a successful business owner.

In 1997, he was nominated for Missouri Small Business Administration's Person of the Year. He was active in Missouri Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association, serving as vice president and president. As a business owner, Jerry especially loved serving his customers, and many of them became enduring friends over the years.

He enjoyed serving his community. He was a member of Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce for more than 50 years and served on its Board of Directors. He served on Cape Girardeau Board of Adjustment, advisory board for Banterra Bank and Young Life Committee, and was a member of the Noon Optimist Club and volunteered with Boy Scouts of America.

Sharing his faith was of utmost importance to him, and he was an active member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church. He served on St. Andrew's Board of Directors, Board of Elders and on the Fellowship Board. He also served as an usher, greeter, a member of the Longterm Care Ministry and Adult Bible Class. He later became a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Jerry was a friend to many and was always eager to help others. He spent many mornings at Wimpy's, and then later Pancake House for coffee with friends. He was a longtime Southeast Missouri State University basketball booster and avid Baylor University basketball supporter. He and Phyllis enjoyed many years of traveling to Baylor basketball games and their grandchildren's activities. In their retirement, they made many special memories traveling in their RV and road trips with their "Cape Car Club."

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Leon Schwab; and brothers-in-law, Carl Pensel, Lester Knight, Frank (Carol) Knight and Curtis Clymer.

A special thanks to Lutheran Home Hospice unit and caregiver Kim for their compassionate care these past weeks.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Following the visitation, a celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, with the Rev. Paul Short and the Rev. Doug Breite officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Lutheran Home Hospice or Saxony Lutheran High School.

Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.