Terry Wayne Schwarz was born on February 22, 1957, in Salina Kansas. A son of Dean Laverne and Barbara Anne (Kohman) Schwarz. He went quickly to be with the Lord on January 21, 2026. A man of quiet strength, deep integrity, and remarkable versatility, he lived a life rooted in hard work, creativity, and devotion to those he loved.
He spent much of his life as a dairy farmer, caring for his animals with patience and pride. Dairying was not just his livelihood, but a way of life that reflected his steady character: late nights, and unwavering commitment. He shared his deep knowledge of the dairy industry through active service with the Kansas Dairy Association, Kansas Dairy Commission and the Kansas Animal Health Board, where he served multiple leadership roles.
In addition to dairying, he was a talented architect and artist whose mind and hands were always building. He was very proud of his degree in architecture from Kansas State University and spent his entire life learning. He had a gift for seeing what could be, turning ideas into lasting structures marked by thoughtfulness and absolute precision. In 2016, his paths of dairying and architecture converged when he redesigned and oversaw construction of the Dairy Bar at the Kansas State Fairgrounds, where ice cream has been served for nearly 100 years. Whether designing a building or repairing something on the dairy, he approached every project with care and purpose.
Above all else, Terry was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He shared nearly 48 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Vona. Together they built a family grounded in the love of Christ. He was a proud and supportive father to Jameon, Chelsie and Chaid. He was a deeply cherished grandfather to Ethan, Chase, Noah, Kai, Landon, Aspen, Selah J., Ainsley, Emmie-Rose, Brittan and Dax who will remember him for his scruffy beard tickles, gentle wisdom, quiet humor, and hours teaching artistic shading, shadow casting, and color theory 101 all with different art mediums.
Terry had a deep sense of responsibility to family and he leaves behind a legacy of hard work, craftsmanship, and love that will continue through the generations he helped shape.
He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
A note from his wife, Vona: love deeper than you are, hug more than you think you should, and above all ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior.
The family will receive visitors at a celebration of Terry’s life on Wednesday January 28, 2026, 1:00-4:00 PM at the Carlton, KS school building, 275 Main Ave, Carlton, KS 67448. The burial will follow and be held at Woodlawn Cemetery at 4:30 PM, 388 Barn Rd, Gypsum, KS 67448.
In leu of flowers the family wishes to celebrate Terry’s life and suggests memorials to be given to the Terry Schwarz Memorial fund providing opportunities for families in dairy and architecture. Memorials may be dropped off or mailed to Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW Third St., Abilene, Kansas 67410. Online condolences may be sent to www.martinbeclercarlson.com