Timothy Schwertner was born on June 28, 1938, in Shallowater, TX, to Rudolph and Mary B. Kuba Schwertner, and entered his eternal home on February 24, 2025.   Being the youngest of 13 children, he was joyfully reunited with his parents and all his siblings in heavenly glory where they are still celebrating today.

Viewing will be on Sunday, March 2, from 12-4 p.m. at Englunds (1400 W Woodrow Rd), in Slaton. The praying of the Rosary will follow the viewing at St. Joseph Catholic Church (205 S 19th St.) in Slaton beginning at 5 p.m., followed by visitation until 7:30.

Most Rev. Robert M. Coerver, Bishop of Lubbock, will celebrate the Funeral Mass on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Slaton.

Interment will follow at Englewood Cemetery in Slaton. Arrangements are by Englunds Funeral Service of Slaton.

In 1953, Timothy began his journey to priesthood.  He entered high school, attending St. John Seminary in San Antonio, TX.  He then attended Assumption Seminary.  After being ordained a Deacon, he served the Denver City area. 

Father Tim was ordained to the priesthood by Most Reverend Lawrence M. DeFalco at Saint Joseph Church in Slaton, TX on May 30, 1965, celebrating his first Mass in his hometown church the following day.

His first assignment was assistant pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Plainview (1965).  He was later appointed to the Secretariate for the Cursillo in the Diocese of Amarillo (1968)                                       

From 1970 to 1983, he served in parishes in the Amarillo Diocese, including Post, Wilson, Muleshoe, Earth, and Levelland.  He also served churches in Plainview, Lubbock, Lockney, Rotan, Aspermont, and El Ranchito. 

His many appointments included Dean of the Levelland Deanery (1980), Promotor of Justice as a part of the Tribunal of the Diocese of Amarillo (1981), the Priest Assignment Appeal Board as a Parish Priest Consultor (1983), Vicar for Religious for the Diocese of Lubbock(1984), directed the establishment of San Isidro Church in Sundown(1988), president of the Diocese of Lubbock Presbyteral Council(1996), and an appointment to the Priests’ Retirement Board(1999).

In 1990 Pope John Paul II named him a Prelate of Honor of the Diocese of Lubbock with the title “Monsignor,” celebrating 25 years of priesthood that same year.

Monsignor Timothy retired from active priesthood in the Diocese of Lubbock on June 30, 2010. 

 Retirement didn’t slow him down.  He served in the Diocese of San Angelo as Senior Priest and Sacramental Minister in Stanton and Lenorah, TX (2010-2020).  In 2020 He began his final ministry in the Diocese of Lubbock, serving the Woodrow and Wolfforth community.    His dream was to see the completion of a Family Life Center at San Ramon Catholic Church in Woodrow.

Timothy served God with a passion.  His homilies were outstanding.  Coming from a large family, he had over 50 nieces and nephews, performing baptisms and weddings for most of them, and even a slew of great nieces and nephews.   He was very seldom seen without a big smile on his face and always met with a hug.  He loved the great outdoors, spending his free time hunting with his nephews, or fishing with his friends, especially Fr. Jim McCartney and Fr. Curtis Halfmann.  He might have told a few white lies after his fishing trips, but we’ll never know!  In one of his correspondences, he said he liked to fly kites! 

Father Tim experienced much joy and happiness in his life.  He had many, many friends, parishioners, and family that loved him dearly.  With that, he also experienced sadness.  He lost all his siblings along the way and performed their funeral services.   He looked forward to meeting up with each one again when God called him home.

Father Tim is survived by his only remaining sisters-in-law, Arla Mae Schwertner and Bernice Schwertner.  He also is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers: Alvin, August, Hubert, Rudy, Joe, Bruno, and Lawrence.  His sisters preceding him were Ella Knapek, Hermina Kahlig, Sister Martha Schwertner, Mary Kitten, and Agnes Kitten. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to San Ramon Catholic Church Family Life Building Fund at 15706 Loop 493, Lubbock, TX, 79423