Gary E. Swartz

Gary Emil Swartz, the son of Ora E. and Estella Swartz, was born July 3, 1938 at Byron, NE and passed away December 10, 2011 at Salina, KS at the age of 73 years, 5 months, and 7 days. Gary grew up and attended the public schools of Byron, NE, graduating from Byron High School where he lettered in athletics. Following his schooling, he was a professional wrestler, wrestling as a tag team with Fritz Voneric known as " the assassins" for a couple of years in the Dallas, TX area. He then was a night club manager and bartender at the High Chaparral Club in Mobile, Alabama. He later was a salesman for Green Thumb Nurseries for several years, working in Alabama and Texas. He then returned to Byron, NE to be near family. On April 24, 1976, he was united in marriage to Ellen W. Waller. The couple owned and operated the Wagonwheel Cafe in Cuba, KS for several years. They were involved in the community, hosting events for the youth and providing a place for kids to wait for their parents after games. Gary was also involved in custom combining in the area for several years. Recently, they had lived in Salina, KS. She preceded him in death on October 23, 2010. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ellen, oldest daughter: Marcia Denise Paredes, great granddaughter: Nevaeh Paredes, a sister: Enid, and a brother: Dutch. He is survived by three sons: Randy Swartz of Naples, Florida, Anthony Osborn of Wichita, KS, and Rick Swartz of Naples, Florida: two daughters: T.J. Wickstrum of Salina, KS and Gwynn Osborn of Lincoln, NE; 9 grandchildren 6 great grandchildren, other relatives, and friends. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, December 16, 2011 at the Bachelor-Surber Memorial Chapel, Belleville, KS with Pastor Mark Imel, officiating. Interment will be in the Washington Cemetery, rural Republic, KS. Memorials are suggested to the Hospice of Kansas. Visitation will be from 9AM-9PM on Thursday, and 9AM until Service time on Friday. Condolences and information at www.bachelor-surber.com Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, KS is in charge of the arrangements.

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