Lonnie Bernard Schwem

Lonnie Bernard Schwem of Deer Park, passed away on February 11th, 2026, and was welcomed into the loving and safe arms of Jesus Christ. Born in Corpus Christi, TX on September 23rd, 1948, to parents James Lewis Schwem and Alfa Clotille Schwem. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Melodie Schwem Sims and the absolute love of his life, Rebecca "Becky" Susan Schwem. He is survived by his brothers Jim Schwem, Glen Schwem and sisters Pam Schwem Johonnesson and Debbie Schwem Bolton, as well 30 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, all of whom he loved in his own way.

 He is now reunited with his high school sweetheart, best friend, coffee date, Sunday morning drive partner, our beautiful mother Rebecca. While meeting their senior year of high school, Lonnie was known as the guy who could turn wrenches and make an already cool 60's era muscle car into something… well, VERY fast. From burnout contests to doing donuts on the beach while taking Becky on a date, nothing made the hair on his arms stand up like a V8 at full power. He grew up with checkered flags in his eyes and dreamed of racing midgets on dirt tracks alongside the greats of the sport, like his hero, A.J. Foyt. It was during this pursuit that he worked many hours learning how to set up cars, paint them, tune the engine all while working as a manager as a teenager at the local K-Mart. No one worked harder and complained less. The pistons firing inside him knew no quit, no matter the obstacle. Because he had “will”, there was always a “way.” At this point, he had fallen madly in love with Becky, so much so they eloped their senior year of high school and started a family immediately. They went on to have ten children together: Tiffany Tidwell, Tracey Esquivel, Adam Schwem, Natalie Wilkerson, Jessica Housewright, Justin Schwem, Jake Schwem, Suzanna Schwem, Shelby Schwem and Glenn Schwem. He loved all of his children and their children and considered each a gift from God.

 When Lonnie was a little boy, he was a good kid (mostly) who watched out for his siblings but could also get into some mischief. He may or may not have flipped a truck in the neighborhood as a teenager with his little brother Glen riding shotgun. When his mother found out but, knew they weren't hurt, she shook her head, drank a beer and took a nap. She was not amused but not surprised either. He would always figure out a way to get into the pits at Meyerland Speedway. He just wanted to be around the guys he looked up to. Occasionally, he might have the few dollars to get in, but often times found a convenient hole in the fence to get through. The roar of the engines and competition on the track was too much for him to resist. Don't worry, Dad, we won't tell anyone.

 As his family began to grow and family priorities were not slowing down, his racing career did, and he went into the corporate world for Oliver Tire, Lubrilon, General Tire and Snider Tire. He was known as a stern boss, but fair. If you showed up to work and did your job, he trusted you and took care of you. By treating his employees of all walks of life with respect, guys worked hard for him and respected him in return.  Things weren't always easy, but he still did everything he could for his kids. Whether buying them horses, go karts, motorcycles, guitars, or putting them in dance lessons, each of his kids have their own memory of special things and moments they shared that can never be taken away. He showed what hard work was and a never quit attitude that has rubbed off on everyone he encountered. Firm and tough, but a true heart of gold.

He did countless projects for the United Way that helped inner city kids have safe parks to play at and was the co-founder of the Houston Soap Box Derby. He believed in giving kids a chance and for many years he did just that.  It was important for him to let children know they belong, they matter and they’re worth the sunburns from the hot summer derby races.

 He loved any opportunity to fire up his smoker for his famous ribs, or during the holidays, the hams he'd smoke and give to customers, family members, friends and neighbors. You never asked for one. They just showed up year in and year out. Getting together with loved ones for a birthday, Indy 500, Super Bowl or simply just because was everything to him. He had a dry sense of humor with sharp wit. Talking with his kids and grandkids, sharing stories and laughs, and taking part in a prank or two, were things that made him at his core, a great husband, Dad and Grampy.

 In 2003, along with his wife, he gave his life to Jesus and was later baptized at Sagemont Church in Houston. He enjoyed meeting with guys at the church and volunteering when he could, having coffee and learning scripture. He felt at that time, after all the years, is what actually made him a man. He knew when his time on this planet was up, where he wanted to be and he knew Heaven had the best fried chicken, sweetest mint chocolate chip ice cream, the coolest hot rods, and most of all, the ones he loved most.

 He made it a point to check in on family daily. From texts to nieces and nephews, kids and grandkids, he had a unique way of putting things in perspective and giving you hope and love. If he was worried about where your life was headed, he let you know what needed to change, but also that he'd be there to help you help yourself. He truly had a heart the size of Texas.

 He never backed down. Never showed fear. Never gave up.

 Through his faith in Christ, his final lap around the speedway is now complete. He has won the race, and the checkered flag has been waved. He is in the ultimate winner’s circle. A champion forever.

 Thank you for everything you ever did for us, Dad/Grampy. You showed grit, determination, perseverance, grace and most of all, love. This isn't a goodbye. We will all see you again one day. Your spirit lives in all who you touched. Take mom out on a date, just don't drive too fast. We will carry your legacy from here.

 We have loved being part of your pit crew.

 Goodnight, God Bless You, We Love You, Sweet Dreams.

A Celebration of Life will be held on 3/8/26 at 1124 Morning Creek Lane in League City, TX at 2 o’clock in the afternoon.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lonnie Bernard Schwem, please visit our floral store.