Gordon Schwend

Gordon Ross Schwend, age 87, passed away in the early morning hours of February 12, 2016, in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one granddaughter, Kaylin Johnson. Gordon was born on May 23, 1928, in Berkeley, California to Irvin and Bernice Schwend. After his retirement from teaching at Dallas Community College, he could always be found in his own workshop creating numerous projects. Gordon had a passion for woodworking including furniture building, wooden airplanes, and various other toys he lovingly created for his grandchildren. He won several ribbons from The Art Center of Corpus Christi, for his unique wooden sculptures. Gordon was a respected and proud Veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He valued spending time with his family, and was even known to take strangers off the street and buy them a hot meal. Gordon is survived by his beloved wife, Jo Ellen Schwend, of Corpus Christi; his sister Mary Ann Norberg of Sacramento, California; one son Ross (Debbie) Schwend of Little Elm, Texas; daughter Ellen Marie of Georgetown, Texas; stepdaughters Eve (Shayne) Schroeder of Mathis, Texas, Ellen (Nolan) Culp of Robstown, Texas; eight grandchildren, as well as one niece and nephew. He also leaves behind his devoted Pomeranian, Prissy. In keeping with his thoughtfulness, Gordon generously donated his body to the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, Texas. Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 17, 2016, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Sawyer-George Funeral Home, 12497 Leopard St., Corpus Christi, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to a favorite charity.