The Excelsior Standard, July 24, 2026

Mike Schwarz

John Michael “Mike” Schwarz, 82, formerly of Lawson, passed away peacefully July 14, 2026, at Tiffany Springs Senior Care Center. Mike was born March 11, 1944, in Excelsior Springs to Henry Allen Schwarz and Mary Ann (Lewis) Schwarz. He was raised on the family dairy and cattle farm in Lawson, where he learned the values of hard work, faith and service. He shared a lifelong bond with his twin brother Steve as they worked side by side on the farm throughout their youth. Mike was one of five siblings. In addition to Steve, there were Linda, David and Hank.

On June 11, 1966, Mike married Mary Lou Peterman. They shared 31 years of marriage and were blessed with two children, Angela Lynne and Jeffrey Michael.

While attending high school and later Central Missouri State College, Mike worked part time at his grandfather’s business, the John S. Lewis Clothing Store in Excelsior Springs, alongside his brother Steve.

After graduating from Central Missouri State College in Warrensburg, Mike began his career as a mathematics teacher in the Shawnee Mission School District in Kansas before teaching at Park Hill High School in Kansas City. During this time, he earned his master’s degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

In 1980, he began a successful banking career, serving as vice president of Lawson Bank before continuing with Bank Midwest.

In 1968, Mike began a distinguished 38-year military career, first serving in the Missouri National Guard, then transferring into the U.S. Army Reserve. Following the events of Sept. 11, 2001, he was called to active duty and served four years in Washington, D.C.

As a member of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, he received numerous commendations and had the honor of providing protection for the secretary of defense and the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff. Mike was deeply honored to have served his country and remained proud of his military service throughout his life.

Mike loved God, country and his family. He was especially proud of his children and treasured every opportunity to spend time with his grandson Jackson. Whether fishing, exploring the outdoors or simply being together, those moments brought him great joy.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, the aforementioned Henry Allen Schwarz and Mary Ann Schwarz.

He is survived by his daughter, Angela Braswell, and her husband Clint of Kansas City; son, Jeffrey Schwarz of Prairie Village, Kan.; and grandson, Jackson Braswell of Kansas City.

Other survivors include his twin brother, Steve (Jana) Schwarz of Excelsior Springs; sister, Linda (Joe) Jones of Lawson; brothers, David (Karen) Schwarz of Lawson and Hank (Sharon) Schwarz of Omaha, Neb.; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.

Mike will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering sense of duty and deep devotion to those he loved. His legacy of faith, service and commitment to family will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Visitation was scheduled for 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, July 20, at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home-Lawson Chapel, 214 Pennsylvania Ave., Lawson. The funeral service was scheduled for 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 21, also at the funeral home, with burial to follow at Lawson Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund or Fisher House Foundation.