William “Bill” B. Schwartz, a cherished resident of Centralia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the age of 88. Born on May 30, 1938, in Centralia, Illinois, the son of Martin John Schwartz and Madelon Delores (Buchanan) Schwartz. Bill was a pillar of his community and a beloved family man. On July 4, 1958, he married the love of his life, Donna Jones, and they were able to celebrate their 68th Wedding Anniversary this year.
Bill is survived by his devoted wife, Donna Schwartz, also of Centralia, and their two children, Darin Schwartz and wife Tonya of Walnut Hill, and Lisa Besant and husband Jeff of O’Fallon, Missouri. He was the proud grandfather of four: Bailee Tomlianovich and husband John of Centralia, Blaike Lane and husband Kory of South Carolina, Derek Besant and wife Brittany of Wentzville, Missouri, and Nicholas Besant and wife Courtney of Kansas City, Missouri. Bill also leaves behind 10 great-grandchildren, with one more blessing expected soon. He will be dearly missed by his brother, Herb Schwartz and wife Suetta of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, and sister Cindy Snyder and husband Mike of Centralia, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Bill is preceded in death by his loving parents, Martin and Madelon Schwartz; sisters Mary Elizabeth Schwartz (infant), Carolyn Shook, and Linda Smith; brothers Michael Schwartz, Stanley Schwartz, and Charles “Red” Schwartz; brother-in-law Tony Shook; and sisters-in-law Janice Schwartz and Sally Schwartz.
Bill attended St. Mary Catholic School, graduating in 1952, and later completed his education at Centralia Township High School in 1956. He received an Associate’s Degree from Kaskaskia College in 1958 and furthered his education at the State of Illinois Meat Cutter School. Throughout his career, he dedicated himself to various esteemed employers, including Kreske, Egyptian Meat Company, Ray Packing, AC Mann, Kuhn Excavating, and Marion County Highway Department. Bill’s commitment to his work led him to the position of Centralia Township Road Commissioner for 16 years, alongside his lifelong passion for farming.
A lifelong member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Centralia, Bill also belonged to the Knights of Columbus and the Marion County Farm Bureau. Known for his quick wit and penchant for jokes, he brought smiles to those around him. An outdoors enthusiast and devoted family man, Bill cherished time spent with family and delighted in working his land and raising cattle.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in his honor on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 10:30 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church in Centralia, with Monsignor David Darin, Father James Nall, and Father Patrick Peters officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Centralia. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during a visitation at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, Centralia, on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to St. Mary Catholic Church and/or St. Mary Catholic School. Donations will be graciously accepted at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, who is honored to serve Bill’s family during this time. Online condolences and words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or through the Funeral Home Facebook page.
