Henry A. Schwertner, 90, of Front Royal, VA, joined his beloved wife, Edna M. Schwertner, in the kingdom of heaven on Wednesday, January 20, 2016.

Henry was born on March 13, 1925 to the late Sophie (Peckarova) Schwertner and Jaroslav “Harry” Schwertner in Manhattan, New York. Henry had a sister, Ella, who predeceased him in death in 1931.

Henry was proud to serve his country enlisting in the United States Navy in 1943. He attained the rank of Signalman 2nd Class and was honorably discharged on December 16, 1945. He was stationed in the Pacific on the U.S.S. Hansford, and was present during the Japanese surrender at Tokyo Bay in August 1945. After the war, Henry attended Pratt University where he studied Engineering. He worked for American Machine and Foundry (AM&F) where he met his future bride.

Henry was married on September 19, 1953 to the love of his life, Edna M. Collier, who predeceased him on July 13, 2002. Together they moved to Long Island, where they raised three beautiful children; Thomas H. Schwertner, Jean A. Butler, and Lori A. Servas. Henry and Edna remained on Long Island until relocating to Toledo, Ohio in 1978. After Henry retired from Lily Tulip Cup Corporation and Owens Corning (30 years), they made a final move to Front Royal, Virginia in 1985 to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Henry was a loyal hockey fan of the New York Rangers for 70 years. He also loved history, particularly the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. He enjoyed camping, fishing with his upstate New York buddies, reading, solving crossword puzzles, collecting antiques, feeding his birds and squirrels, and eating Vita Herring, chocolate.

Survivors include his three loving children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren: Thomas Schwertner (Ginny) of Strasburg, VA, and his children Jesse, Sara, and Jenny and her daughter Emma; Jean Butler (David) of Front Royal, VA, and her children Ryan (Amanda), Brian, Amy (Daniel) and their son, Tye Daniel; Lori Servas (Skip) of Lynchburg, VA, and their children, Daniel, Ethan, and Jonathan.

The funeral will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 2:00 p.m., Maddox Funeral Home, Front Royal, VA. Gravesite pallbearers will be: Brian Butler, Ryan Hattenback, Daniel Kincer, Jesse Schwertner, Daniel Servas, Ethan Servas and Jonathan Servas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 5005 Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway, Suite 250, Dallas, TX 75244: or the Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 West Cork Street, Winchester, VA 22601.