Jerome Charles Schwab

Lifelong Austin resident Jerome (Jerry) Charles Schwab, age 75, passed away on January 26, 2022, of pancreatic cancer. Jerry was born in Austin, Texas on December 9, 1946 to Jerome Hugo Schwab and Alyce (Townsend) Schwab. He met the love of his life, Kathy Rose Wiley, in January 1993, and they were married on July 26, 1997 at Salem Lutheran Church in Austin.

He attended Maplewood Elementary School and University Junior High School and graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School, Class of 1964. He attended the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in Finance. He worked at the Texas Department of Insurance (formerly the Texas Board of Insurance) and retired from there on May 31, 2012 after 46 years of employment.

While at the University of Texas, he was a member of the Longhorn Band and marched with them in the inaugural parade of Lyndon B. Johnson. He was an original member of the Austin Symphonic Band when it formed in July 1981. He played euphonium in the band until July 2021 and treasured his many years of playing with the friends he made there.

Jerry and Kathy were soulmates and loved to travel. They made several memorable trips to Canada, Oregon, Yellowstone National Park and many other places. In addition to enjoying all kinds of music, technology, and good food, Jerry loved photography, coins, collecting Native American pottery and weavings, and was very knowledgeable about the history and artists who created those items.

Jerry was an avid fan of all things regarding Longhorn sports and music. He rarely missed a home game of either football or baseball and cherished the camaraderie of his fellow UT fans.

He was preceded in death by his precious wife, Dr. Kathy Wiley Schwab, on May 29, 2021, and by his mother and father. Jerry is survived by his cousins Janet Schwab (Robert) Brewster, and their children Angela Brewster and Chris Hofmayer, and Larry B. (Sandi) Schwab, and their children Zane Schwab and Kimberly Schwab; sister-in-law Pam (Bob) Arnone; niece Shannon (Tony) Mansfield; nephews Robert (April) Arnone, Christopher (Tiffany) Arnone; five great-nephews; one great-niece; and many dear lifelong friends.

The family would like to thank all those who helped Jerry this past year, when he lost Kathy and then was diagnosed with his second bout of pancreatic cancer. We would like to thank the compassionate staff at Juniper Village-Spicewood Summit and his caregivers from New Century Hospice specifically. Jerry’s co-workers from Texas Department of Insurance were invaluable in the rides to appointments, meals, and moral support they provided for Jerry during his illness. Special thanks to his neighbors on Millway Drive in Austin who supported Jerry daily and gave his family peace of mind that he had people caring for him who were nearby. A memorial service for Jerry will take place on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas 78752.

Memorial gifts may go to the Austin Symphonic Band (austinsymphonicband.org), Swan Songs Musical Last Wishes (swansongs.org), or New Century Hospice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com