Gary Schwent

CHESTER, Ill. — Gary A. “Club” Schwent, 70, of Chester passed away at 9:10 a.m. Friday, May 3, 2019, at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, Illinois.

He was born to the late Welton T. and Frances “Billie” Link Schwent on June 2, 1948, in Red Bud, Illinois. Gary married Carolyn S. Brelje on July 20, 1974, in Chester.

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. 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 junior 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 in Chester, Chester High School Athletic Hall of Fame, Knights of Columbus No. 3790, Chester Boat Club, Eagles Club Aerie No. 3252, Moose Lodge No. 1764 and Elks Lodge No. 2701.

Gary enjoyed attending and watching Cardinals games, boating, barbecuing, gardening and spending time with his buddies.

Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Schwent of Chester; a sister, Jean (Clifford “Butch”) Jungewaelter of Chester; a brother, Ronald “Cooter” (Margie) Schwent of Jackson; a niece, Allison Jean Schwent of Columbia, Missouri; and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a nephew, Michael J. “Isaac” Jungewaelter; and his stepmother, Myrtle Schwent.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today and from 7:30 to 10 a.m. Tuesday at Pechacek Funeral Homes in Chester.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with the Very Rev. Eugene H. Wojcik, V.F. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Chester.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School, Chester Boat Club, Chester Grade School basketball and baseball programs, or donor’s choice.

To view this obituary and sign the register book, visit www.wpfh.net.