Harold Joe Schwartz, H. Joe or better known as Gramps was born September 7, 1925, in his home at Crews, TX, near Winters to Dutch and Taudie Schwartz. He was blessed to have married the love of his life, Anne Lee Ayers, and created an amazing life together over the next 70 years. H. Joe started farming with his father at the age of 4. He was responsible for steering the horses behind the plow. This was the beginning of his life as a farmer. He purchased his first farm in Lynn County at the age of 16. Soon after, he was called to duty and joined the Marines at the age of 18. H. Joe was sent to boot camp in South Carolina and was stationed in San Diego, CA. He served our country during World War II. Once returning to civilian life, he and Anne moved to Ropesville where he was called back to his true love, farming. They started their beautiful family having their only son, Joe Boy. Ropesville is where they rooted and stayed. H. Joe was a God-fearing man who loved his country, wife, son and family. He was a simple farmer that cherished the land God provided for him. H. Joe blessed all those with whom he came in contact.
Survivors include his daughter-in-law, Charlsa Schwartz; three granddaughters, Aimee Jarrett and husband Chad, Amanda Schwartz, and Alyssa Stukey; great-grandchildren, Camryn, Kadi, and Kennedy Jarrett, Christopher Joe Bond; and sister, Pal Quisenberry and husband, Quiz.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Anne; a son, Harold Joe “Joe Boy” Schwartz, Jr., who died on October 5, 1980; and two sisters, Wanda Brown and Betty Joplin.