Philip “Phil” Schwartz, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at his home in Walnut Hill, IL. Born on Tuesday, November 19, 1946, in Centralia, IL, son of Matthew Schwartz and Pauline (Larsh) Schwartz, Phil lived a life filled with love, laughter, and hard work.
Phil graduated from St. Mary School and Centralia Township High School and was a devoted member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Centralia. He was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus. As the owner and operator of Phil Schwartz & Sons Contracting for 50 years, Phil played a significant role in his community, including the relocation of the Train Caboose at the Historical Society and the two planes at Fairview Park in Centralia. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. Phil relished Sundays at Tony’s Shed for important Board Meetings. He also enjoyed farming, sharing a cold beer, and playing cards, especially with his family. His laughter was infectious, and he was known for sharing stories in his own unique way.
Phil is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Debbie of Walnut Hill, his children, Jason Schwartz and wife Becky of St. Louis, Mat Schwartz and wife Andrea of Centralia, Ryan Walker and wife Jennifer of Minnesota, Rudie Walker and wife Tori of Odin, and Reis Walker of Breese; and eleven cherished grandchildren, Val Walker and fiancée Savannah, Gus Walker, Sophia Schwartz, Brandon Walker, Xander Walker and fiancée Kendra Hamilton, Blaise and Luke Schwartz, Kaid, Brooklyn, Kyan and Branson Walker. Phil also leaves behind three adored great-grandchildren, Delilah, Danielle, and Kinley Walker. He is survived by his brothers, Tom Schwartz and significant other Nancy James of Centralia, and Tony Schwartz and Kandice Fischer of Centralia; his sister, Sara Smith and husband Steve of Centralia; and sisters-in-law, Anne Schwartz of Walnut Hill and Linda Schwartz of Centralia, along with several nieces and nephews. Special friends Kokomo Jourdan and his wife, Wilma, of Odin also remember him fondly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Matthew and Pauline Schwartz, his sister Ruth Schwartz, two brothers, Dave Schwartz and Steve Schwartz, and his dear friend, Gary Rice.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church in Centralia, with burial following at Calvary Cemetery in Centralia, Illinois. Friends and family are invited to visit on Tuesday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of Mass at the Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary School and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618) 532-3523, who are honored to be of service to Phil’s family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting (http://www.
