Arthur Schwartz

Arthur Schwartz July 13, 1915 – November 19, 2007 Arthur Schwartz, 92, passed away peacefully, on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2007, at his home in Waco. The memorial service will be 11 a.m. Monday at Temple Rodef Sholom on 1717 New Road Drive in Waco. with Rabbi Mordechai Rotem officiating The youngest of three children of Richard and Julia Schwartz, Arthur was born in Galveston, Texas on July 13, 1915. In 1920, following his father’s death, the family moved to Mart, where they purchased and operated a Dry Good’s Store. After graduating from Mart High School, Arthur attended the University of Texas at Austin School of Business. At 21, he joined the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, and remained a member for the past 71 years. During that time, he served as president of the Mart Lodge. He was also a member of the Karem Shrine Temple and served as patrol captain. Arthur served in the US Army Air Corps during World War II and achieved the rank of First Lieutenant. In 1945, he, along with two partners, established Centex Manufacturing in Waco and served as its president from 1946-2000. In 1955, he opened Centex Carpet and Interiors/Schwartz Design Center and served as its president from 1955-1995. In 1951, while in Los Angeles, Calif., on business, Arthur was introduced to Ellen Potash. The two married on May 2, 1953, and have enjoyed 54 years of marriage. Arthur was a member of Temple Rodef Sholom, where he served as a member of the board of directors of the Waco Salvation Army, and was a longtime member of B.I.G. He was an avid coin and stamp collector, a voracious reader and a regular visitor to the Waco Public Library. He was an astute observer of the times and a great story-teller with a keen wit and command of the English language. Arthur was deeply passionate about his family, friends and mentors and his businesses. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jake Schwartz; sisters-in-law, Susan G. Schwartz and Shirley P. Clurman; brothers-in-law, Morris Williams, Larry Klein and Richard Clurman. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Ellen; sons, Jimmy, Martin and his wife, Loren and John and his wife, Debbie; two grandsons, Jake and Joe, who added countless hours of pride and joy to his life; sister, Marion Klein; and numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews and cousins. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Drs. Kleiman, Gardel, Tsai and Bandela and caregivers Penny Wiedeman, Ethel Teal, Joyce Rosas and Peggy Key, who have provided amazing comfort, and to the many devoted and professional members of Hillcrest Hospice for their invaluable support. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Texas Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital, Hillcrest Hospice, The Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. WILKIRSON-HATCH-BAILEY