Jeffrey Clarence Schwab

Jeffrey Clarence Schwab, 69, of Kechi, Kansas slipped into heavenly slumber after losing his battle to cancer. Jeff was born on May 28, 1952 in Emporia, Kansas to Dixie (Flaker) Schwab and Clarence Schwab. Jeff had one older brother Dennis Schwab. Jeff grew up on their family farm in Madison, Kansas where he and his brother enjoyed fishing, finding swimming holes and hunting on their land in the flint hills.
Jeff graduated from Madison High School in 1970. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1971 and left for basic training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas. Jeff was stationed at March Air Base in Riverside County, California before he served in Guam and England during the Vietnam War era where he reached the rank of Airman First Class. He completed his service in California before moving back to Kansas in 1976 where he attended Butler County Junior College earning his associate degree. He then enrolled in Kansas State University to achieve his Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism. Jeff won a photography award at K-State for his video project documenting native post rock in the Flint Hills. Jeff was musically gifted and his talent for singing and playing bass guitar led him to start a four-piece band named "Rangefire". The band performed at VFW’s, American Legion’s and many other special events around Kansas over the years.
Jeff was hired by KSN-TV out of college and worked there as a camera man. He was a member of IATSE, the Stagehand union for 40 years. He operated camera equipment and a follow spotlight for hundreds of concerts resulting in a vast collection of “Stage Crew” concert t-shirts over the years that he gifted to his daughter as "sleepy tees". After KSN, Jeff worked for the local TV station "KWCH" as floor director and camera operator from 1981-2008. While employed at KWCH, he met Ronda Lackey and the pair married in 1986. They raised two children together. Jeff enjoyed taking the girls and their friends on boating and camping trips to El Dorado Lake.
After leaving Ch. 12, Jeff went to work for Wichita Public Schools in 2008 as a para for South High School, then moved to the custodial department at Levy School until his retirement at the end of December in 2021. He was a long-standing member of SEIU and also worked for Rainbows United for many years.
Jeff appreciated visits from his best friends and band mates and when he transitioned from his Kechi home to the Hospice Unit at the Veterans Hospital in the last month of his life. He was baptized in the Christian church at age 10 but rededicated his life to Christ during the many conversations with Father Kapaun in the VA hospital this year.
He leaves behind daughter Kristen Schwab, his caregiver since he received his diagnosis of renal kidney cancer.
Jeff is preceded in death by mother Dixie Schwab Beal, father Clarence, brother Dennis, stepfather Glen Beal, Sr. He is survived by daughter Kristen Schwab, niece Melissa Schwab-Williams, great niece Ayva, and niece Monica Schwab, plus numerous other cousins.
Cremation directed by Van Arsdale Funeral Home in Madison, Kansas. Inurnment will be at Lamont, Kansas Apostolic Christian Cemetery where he will be with his mother, father, brother, plus other family members. A private graveside service will be held on May 29th.