Sept. 17, 1924 — Oct. 12, 2018

Richard Leigh Schwartz, 94, of Buchanan, passed away on Friday, Oct. 12, 2018, at Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swem Chapel — 301 W. Front St., Buchanan.

Leigh was born on Sept. 17, 1924, in Buchanan, to the late Richard and Genevieve (Steele) Schwartz. He was a 1943 graduate of Buchanan High School. Leigh served his country during WWII while in the U.S. Coast Guard — Merchant Marines.

On June 22, 1946, he married Mary Carolyn Hickey. Leigh was a tool and die maker at Clark Equipment and retired in 1977.

Leigh is survived by his wife of more than 72 years — Mary; his children — Patricia (Harold) Woods, of Woodstock, Illinois, Michael (Dianne) Schwartz, of Belleair Bluffs, Florida, and Richard Joseph Schwartz, of Kemah, Texas; six grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren; and a brother — John Schwartz of Buchanan. He is preceded in death by his parents, and two grandchildren — Brian Jackson and Matthew Schwartz.

A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018, at Oak Ridge Cemetery’s Knight Chapel at 1 p.m. with Military Honors by the American Legion of Buchanan. A time of visitation with the family will precede the service from noon until time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at swemchapel. com.