Floyd Leon Schwanz, Rev.

Floyd Leon Schwanz was born on August 22, 1940, in Alva, Oklahoma, to Reverend Leroy (LC) and Myrtle Georgia. He passed away in Milwaukie, Oregon on July 4, 2025, after nearly five years of battling dementia.

Floyd is survived by his loving wife, Eva Jean; his brothers, Swanee and Keith; his sister, Phyllis; his daughter, Gayla; his sons, Rick and John Mark; his stepdaughter, Patsy; and his stepson, Ron. He was a proud grandfather to fifteen grandchildren: Bryce, Ethan, Sophie, Madison, Jaren, Raul, Jonathan, Connor, Amelia, David, Julie, Amy, Tyler, Trevor and Jeremy and a great-grandfather to 16 great-grandchildren. Floyd was preceded in death by his first wife, Nelda Anne, and his son-in-law, Jim Mugg.

Floyd graduated from Grand Island High School and Bethany Nazarene University. He dedicated nearly 55 years to pastoral ministry, where he was cherished as a coach and mentor. An accomplished stone mason and woodworker, Floyd also authored two books on small group ministry and consulted on growing small groups worldwide.

Missions were Floyd's passion. He organized and led 22 overseas trips, including collaborations with his brother in Haiti and Kenya. After Nelda's passing in January 1999, Floyd devoted himself to helping others cope with grief, studying extensively and creating materials for class instruction.

Floyd wrote extensively, especially in the form of personal journals.  Among his writings, we found a poignant note penned during his struggle with memory loss, yet filled with clarity:

"I was asked to consider what my motto would be. Oh, my, I am almost 83 years old and have never been asked this question. So here goes: Encourage a person to look up more than look back. All of us experience our ups and downs – small ones and large ones. What a blessing to help someone to look up and look forward instead of looking down and backwards. With a helping word or two their smile begins to be seen. What a blessing! Only with an encouraging word or two!"

A celebration of Floyd's life is scheduled at New Home Community Church on August 30 at 2:00 PM, located at 10603 SE Henderson St., Portland, Oregon.