Fred A. Schwab of Farmington passed away peacefully at his home on June 16, 2024, at the age of 93. Born on October 8, 1930, in Bonne Terre, Missouri, he was the son of Frederick A. Schwab Sr. and Marie Clara (Dettmer) Schwab. On December 12, 1953, Fred married Dolores “Polly” Shaw at Trinity Lutheran Church in Flat River, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son-in-law, Craig Schnurbusch; and his brother-in-law, Ed Schwent.
A proud veteran of the United States Army, Fred served during the Korean War. He was a devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Park Hills and worked for St. Joe Lead Company in Herculaneum for over 35 years, retiring in 1989. For 25 years, Fred and Polly spent winters in Florida as snowbirds, enjoying the beach and warm weather. He was a sports enthusiast, especially when it came to his grandchildren’s activities. An avid golfer, Fred was a longtime member of St. Francois Country Club, and he also loved hunting with family and friends. He was a hard worker who enjoyed being outdoors and spending time with his family.
Fred is survived by his wife, Polly Schwab, with whom he celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last December. He is also survived by his children, Karen “Kay” (Kenneth W.) Pratte and Susan (Scott) Robirds; his grandchildren, Aaron (Ashley) Black, Ben (Kamryn) Schnurbusch, Julie (Chad) Viele, John (Brooke) Schnurbusch, Marie (Joey) Pezzola, and Lindsey (Ryan) Carroll; his great-grandchildren, Kyan Almonte, Kiara Almonte, Jett Black, Ronyn Black, Craig Viele, Caroline Viele, Craig Schnurbusch, and Scottie Carroll; and his sister, Rosemarie Schwent, along with a niece, nephews, friends, neighbors, and his golf and hunting buddies. Rest in peace, Grandpa. You will be deeply missed. We love you!
A graveside service with military honors will take place on Friday, June 21, 2024, at 10 a.m. at St. Francois Memorial Park in Bonne Terre, officiated by Pastor Jeremy May. Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (www.themmrf.org). Share your condolences and memories at cozeanfuneralhome.com.
