John Michael “Mike” Schwarz, 82, formerly of Lawson, Missouri, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026, at Tiffany Springs Senior Care Center.
Mike was born on March 11, 1944, in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, to Henry Allen Schwarz and Mary Ann (Lewis) Schwarz. He was raised on the family dairy and cattle farm in Lawson, Missouri where he learned the values of hard work, faith, and service. He shared a lifelong bond with his twin brother, Steve, as they worked side by side on the farm throughout their youth. Mike was one of five siblings, along with Steve, Linda, David, and Hank.
On June 11, 1966, Mike married Mary Lou Peterman. They shared 31 years of marriage and were blessed with two children, Angela Lynne and Jeffrey Michael.
While attending high school and later Central Missouri State College, Mike worked part-time at his grandfather’s business, the John S. Lewis Clothing Store in Excelsior Springs, alongside his brother Steve.
After graduating from Central Missouri State College, Mike began his career as a mathematics teacher in the Shawnee Mission School District before later teaching at Park Hill High School. During this time, he earned his master’s degree from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. In 1980, he began a successful banking career, serving as Vice President of Lawson Bank before continuing with Bank Midwest.
In 1968, Mike began a distinguished 38-year military career, first serving in the Missouri National Guard before transferring to the U.S. Army Reserve. Following the events of September 11, 2001, he was called to active duty and served four years in Washington, D.C. As a member of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID), he received numerous commendations and had the honor of providing protection for the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Mike was deeply honored to have served his country and remained proud of his military service throughout his life.
Mike loved God, country, and his family. He was especially proud of his children and treasured every opportunity to spend time with his grandson, Jackson. Whether fishing, exploring the outdoors, or simply being together, those moments brought him great joy.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Allen Schwarz and Mary Ann Schwarz.
He is survived by his daughter, Angela Braswell and her husband, Clint, of Kansas City, Missouri; his son, Jeffrey Schwarz of Prairie Village, Kansas; his grandson, Jackson Braswell of Kansas City, Missouri; his twin brother, Steve (Jana) Schwarz of Excelsior Springs, Missouri; his sister, Linda (Joe) Jones of Lawson, Missouri; his brothers, David (Karen) Schwarz of Lawson, Missouri, and Hank (Sharon) Schwarz of Omaha, Nebraska; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Mike will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering sense of duty, and deep devotion to those he loved. His legacy of faith, service, and commitment to family will continue to inspire all who knew him.
A visitation will be held 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Monday, July 20, 2026 at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home Lawson Chapel, 214 Pennsylvania Ave., Lawson, MO. Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 21, also at the funeral home with burial following at Lawson Cemetery with full Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund or Fisher House Foundation.
