George Fred Schwab

George Fred Schwab, “Fred” passed away peacefully on November 24, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio

Fred was born in Wilmington, Delaware on January 12, 1943, to George F. Schwab and Louise Beighley Schwab. The Schwab family relocated to Marion, Ohio where Fred, his sister Linda and brother Ray grew up. During his time in Marion, Fred was an active member of Marion Epworth Methodist Church. He was also a Boy Scout and earned his Eagle Scout Award in 1959. The time in the Boy Scouts of America left a lasting impression on Fred and he would serve as a Boy Scout leader for over 20 years in the Columbus, Ohio area. Gregory Schwab, son of Fred and Diana, also became an Eagle Scout. Fred’s sons, Justin and Josh Schwab, were active in Boy Scouts in Columbus, Ohio, for many years.

Fred graduated from Marion-Harding High School, Class of 1961. He loved music and played the cello in high school. He was also a member of the high school orchestra, the string quartet and played in the marching band. He was an avid Ohio State Buckeye Fan and loved watching the marching band as much as he loved the games.

Fred went on to study Architecture at The Ohio State University where he graduated in 1967, earning a B.S. in Architecture and was also a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. After graduation, Fred served in the U.S. Army, active duty from 1967 to 1969 as a 1st Lieutenant and was stationed in Bamberg, Germany. He also served in the Army Reserves for two years.

In 1977 Fred founded Schwab Architects. This was truly his passion and he practiced architecture all his life. He began working with the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, USDA Rural Development and the Ohio Department of Development, along with the Ohio Historical Preservation Agency to design, build, and manage affordable housing throughout Ohio. This venture took Fred to many communities throughout Ohio. He loved traveling to the various properties and socializing with the property managers and the residents. His beloved dog Toby would accompany him on many of these trips. Fred enjoyed tennis, volunteering with The Boy Scouts of America and boating. After a long work week, on Fridays during the summer, Fred headed to the Lake. He loved spending time at his condo on Lake Erie. He enjoyed hosting family and friends and there were always fun times boating, sailing, jet skiing, visiting the islands or walking on the beach. He also enjoyed boating at Buckeye Lake and was a member of The Buckeye Lake Yacht Club. 

Fred is preceded in death by his parents, George and Louise Schwab, sister Linda Schwab Dalton Corso and brother Ray Schwab.He is survived by his wife, Aimee Cowans Schwab, their children, Corinna Nicole Schwab, Justin Allen Schwab, and Joshua Earl Schwab. Diana Schwab, and their children, Gregory Schwab and Deborah (Michael) Lucas. Niece, Tammy (Robert) Schriever, Nephews, Glenn (Sharon) Dalton and Scott (Sherri) Dalton. Grandchildren, Ann Schwab, Katherine Schwab, Owen Lucas, and Amelia Schwab. as well as a host of close friends.

 Family will receive friends on Friday December 6, 2024 from 11am-1pm, with service to immediately follow at Families First Edwards Funeral Home, 1166 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43206. There will be a private burial in Marion, Ohio at a later date.