Walnut Hill Resident and Contracting Business Owner Philip Schwartz Passes Away at 79
WALNUT HILL, Illinois — Longtime Marion County businessman and community member Philip "Phil" Schwartz passed away peacefully at his home in Walnut Hill on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the age of 79. Born on November 19, 1946, in Centralia, Illinois, to Matthew and Pauline (Larsh) Schwartz, he grew up in the region and graduated from St. Mary School and Centralia Township High School. Schwartz established a prominent professional career as the owner and operator of Phil Schwartz & Sons Contracting for 50 years, leading local construction efforts that included moving the historic train caboose to the Centralia Historical Society and placing the aircraft displays at Fairview Park.
Published by Global Report Center
WALNUT HILL, Illinois — Longtime Marion County businessman and community member Philip "Phil" Schwartz passed away peacefully at his home in Walnut Hill on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the age of 79. Born on November 19, 1946, in Centralia, Illinois, to Matthew and Pauline (Larsh) Schwartz, he grew up in the region and graduated from St. Mary School and Centralia Township High School. Schwartz established a prominent professional career as the owner and operator of Phil Schwartz & Sons Contracting for 50 years, leading local construction efforts that included moving the historic train caboose to the Centralia Historical Society and placing the aircraft displays at Fairview Park.
Official Notice and Funeral Services
Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia is assisting the family with arrangements. In accordance with standard privacy practices, specific clinical details, medical history, or an official cause of death have not been publicly disclosed. Official funeral notices confirmed that a public visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Centralia. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m., with interment at Calvary Cemetery in Centralia. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary School.
Community Impact and Surviving Family
A devoted parishioner of St. Mary Catholic Church and member of the Knights of Columbus, Schwartz was widely recognized for his civic contributions, local contracting work, and active engagement in community life. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Debbie Schwartz; his children, Jason Schwartz, Mat Schwartz, Ryan Walker, Rudie Walker, and Reis Walker; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his brothers, Tom and Tony Schwartz; and his sister, Sara Smith.
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