Hans H. Schwarten

Hans Heinreich Schwarten entered into rest at William Hill Gardens on February 18, 2014. He was 92. Born on June 12, 1921 in their Lewistown, MD, home, he was the son of Julius George and Bertha Hartz Schwarten of Cordova. He was preceded in death by his parents; his six siblings, Alfred Schwarten, Robert Schwarten, Caroline Bodenbender Horsman, Thomas Schwarten, Pauline Clough, and Margaret Brinsfield; and his devoted wife, Helen Clark Schwarten. Left to grieve are his daughters Linda Evans (John) of Easton, MD; Lou Ann McCaughey (Kevin) of Sparks, MD; Lois MacDonald (Phil) of Cordova, MD; three grandchildren, Philip MacDonald (Valerie), Sarah McCaughey Sgro (Maurizio), Michael McCaughey; nieces and nephews; and two great-grandchildren Charlie Wayne MacDonald and Joshua Gesino Sgro. A child of the Great Depression, Hans knew poverty, hard work, and resourcefulness. Formally educated through 8th grade at Cordova High School, he was known for his practical knowledge, German ingenuity, and common sense. When his father died in 1942, Hans became responsible for the care of his mother and younger siblings, and farming the land at Kitty’s Corner, where he lived for 91 years. In 1949, he married Helen who worked tirelessly beside him in every endeavor. He took great pride in constructing and maintaining the buildings, enriching the soil and harvesting bountiful crops…sweet corn, tomatoes and pumpkins, to name a few. In 1952, Hans took a school bus route to supplement the income from their dairy herd, a job he continued for many years. At the request of, then Chapel District kindergarten teacher Jane Behrens Hart, Hans and Helen began hosting school children for educational field trips to learn more of farm living. They enjoyed the enthusiasm of the children and provided this opportunity at no charge for 25 years or so. Hans was an active member of Fairview Church of the Brethren since childhood, and held many roles in the life of the church, including maintaining the building and grounds. Hans helped fell trees with a cross cut saw to clear the lane for Camp Mardela in Denton, and helped with building cabins there. He enjoyed telling stories of working with Harvey Stoops and a small team of co-workers in the sawmill on Kitty’s Corner. The Talbot County Steam Show was a favorite event where he re-lived the sights, sounds, and smells of threshing wheat with fellow farmers. Hans was active in the Farm Bureau, Southern States Cooperative, and Farm Service Agency. He was a charter member of the Easton Ruritan Club. Burdened by an incurable, genetic eye disease, Hans gradually lost his eyesight over a 30 year period and spend the last 10 years of his life completely blind. Through it all he amazed his family and friends with his determination and creativity in adapting to his increasingly difficult circumstance. He loved a parade, a good joke, and old country and gospel music. Hans’ life with be celebrated with a viewing on Monday, February 24, at Fellows, Helfenbein, Newnam Funeral Home, 200 S. Harrison St., in Easton from 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Fairview Church of the Brethren, 11243 Chapel Rd, in Cordova on Tuesday, February 25 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Craig Gaunt officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Fairview Church of the Brethren (11243 Chapel Road, Cordova, MD 21625) or the Cordova Fire Department (11864 Kitty’s Corner Road, P.O. Box 102, Cordova, MD 21625).

Hans H. Schwarten

June 12, 1921 - February 18, 2014