Carl Wayne Schwartz, 66, Valley Falls, died Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, due to complications from a stroke.

He as born July 29, 1952, at Eureka, the son of Waymond “Dutch” and Betty Louise Mae Larcom Schwartz. Carl graduated from Eureka High School in 1970, and then attended Butler County Community College for one year. He later received both a B.S. Degree in Psychology and M.S. Degree in Psychology from Emporia State University.

Carl retired in 2007 from USD 501 in Topeka, after 30 years of service. He worked with students at both public and private schools in Topeka. He was a member of the National Association of School Psychologists, was a Certified Crisis Facilitator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and was a member of the TARC organization in Topeka. He was a member of St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Valley Falls.

In his high school years at Eureka, Carl was a drummer for KICKS, a Top 40 Band, and during the 1980s and 90s he performed with the band Destiny of the Valley Falls area.

He married Kathleen D. Wichman, June 24, 1972, at Valley Falls.

Survivors include his wife, Kathy, of the home; his daughter, Stephanie D. (Paul) Schwartz Newton, Leavenworth; his mother, Betty Schwartz, Eureka; and his sister, Diana (Earl) Box, Wichita.

He was preceded in death by his father, “Dutch” Schwartz, Oct. 13, 2004.

Carl’s final act of kindness was his gift of being an organ donor.

The Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Valley Falls. Inurnment will follow at the parish cemetery. A Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. Friday, at the funeral home, followed by a visitation.

Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society and sent c/o Mercer Funeral Home, PO Box 6, Valley Falls, KS 66088. Online condolences are welcome at www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.