William Schwake

William “Bill” Ed Schwake passed away on Friday, August 21, 2020 at his residence with the love of his life holding his hand until his last breath. Visitation and viewing will be on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Pecan Grove Funeral Home in Robinson, Texas. Funeral services will follow, beginning at 2:00 p.m.
Bill was born in Bartlett, Texas on September 3, 1931; the same day he married his bride, Elnora in 1955. Bill’s strongest devotion was to his family. He married Elnora Engelholm on September 3, 1955; he was smart in doing so as to not forget that special day. He loved his Children: Debora (Debbie) Vonasek and Rebecca (Becky) Allen of Waco, Greg Schwake and wife Cyndi of Riesel, and Jason Copeland of Lake Charles, La. His grandchildren brought him much joy: Candice Vonasek of Waco, Brian Vonasek and wife, Jiliane of Bosqueville, Annie May and husband, William of Grandview, Kayla Ridings and husband, Tim, Andrew Dosser, Cassie Schwake, Ryan and Jeremy Joiner all of Waco.
He adored and loved his great-grandchildren: Ambry and Jobe Vonasek of Bosqueville, Kailyn Harrell and husband, Charlie of China Spring, Velina Stuckey of Robinson, Adde and Collin Gibbs of Mart, Bryce May of Grandview, Ranger Ridings of Waco and Holden Joiner of McGregor. He also leaves behind: brother, Harold Schwake of Salado, and sisters, Laverne Boehme of Moody and Emily Hoelscher of Pflugerville and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents, William and Lydia Schwake; brothers, Alvin, Lonnie, Louis, Edwin, Herbert, Frank and Verlin (Shorty) Schwake: sisters, Laverne Isaacks, Lydia Anno, son, Brian Keith Schwake, sons-in-law, Tony Vonasek and Lonnie (Joe) Allen and great-granddaughter, Jaylie Vonasek.
He was an avid musician, playing the accordion, piano, guitar, fiddle, banjo and harmonica. He loved to entertain with his musical talent as well as his singing; Christian/gospel and old country/western songs.
Bill retired from Plantation Food in 1996. After retiring he took up woodwork, making birdhouses, moving toys, decorative shelves, pictures, seasonal yard stands, like reindeers, nativity scenes, and children’s rocking chairs.
He got bored with that activity and went to work at Hallsburg I.S.D. in maintenance. He loved this job being with children, his daughter, Becky Allen, the teaching and office staff. He worked until his second retirement in 2010.
A very special thank you to Hillcrest Scott and White Hospice care team for taking such good care and being so compassionate during this time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial/donations may be made to St. Matthew Lutheran Church of Waco or any charity of your choice.