Always There
Jack W. Dwyer of Seguin passed away on June 9, 2016, at the age of 87. Even with a business career that lasted until he was 80 and international travel that took him to other continents, his legacy remains his extraordinary example of unconditional love for his wife, children, and friends. Regardless of circumstances, his made his family feel cherished and secure, and his friends never had to doubt his loyalty. He was always there… for everyone.
Jack was born in San Antonio on January 13, 1929. He grew up in Alamo Heights, but his family moved to a home on Lake McQueeney when he was a teenager after his father retired. He graduated from Seguin High School in 1947 and from Southwest Texas State Teachers College (now Texas State University).
A Seguin Story 65 Years in the Making
Jack married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy "Dot" Weiss, in 1951. They lived in Seguin until 1961 when his work for the Continental Insurance Company took them to Harlingen in the Rio Grande Valley. They returned permanently to Seguin in 1966 with a family that had grown to include four sons.
Jack spent his professional life in the insurance field. In Seguin, he was co-owner of the Muehl and Koebig Insurance Agency in the 1970s, eventually becoming sole owner. His business ultimately became part of the Donegan Insurance Agency. Along the way, he assumed other leadership roles in civic and business organizations. He was Freedom Fiesta chairman in 1972, president of the Seguin Chamber of Commerce in 1974, and a board member of the Kiwanis Club. Additionally, he was a member of several parishioners' committees at St. James Catholic Church. He also served 21 years in the Texas National Guard.
The Bonds of Friendship, Family
Jack often visited old friends from his days in Alamo Heights, but a huge portion of the camaraderie he enjoyed came through his lifelong love of bird and deer hunting. He joined friends and his sons on innumerable trips across South Texas, as well as other destinations, such as Wyoming. His love of travel took him even farther. Multiple visits with Dot to Europe, along with a stop in Turkey, were mixed with cruises that once included a stay aboard the Queen Elizabeth II.
Jack's love of family extended to an interest in genealogy, which included organizing family reunions and connecting with his Irish heritage. He found records of his paternal grandfather in church documents from 1820 on a visit to St. Louis, Mo. During a trip to Ireland, he proudly photographed a pub called O'Dwyer's. Though never considered a cook, he hosted gatherings of friends on St. Patrick's Day for several years that involved preparing meals of traditional Irish fare.
Visitation will be held on Monday, June 13, 2016 at Tres Hewell Mortuary from 5 to 7 p.m. On Tuesday June 14, 2016 a rosary will be held at 10:00 am followed by the mass of Christian burial at St. James Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Gregory J. Nevlud officiating. Interment will follow in San Geronimo Cemetery.
Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Charles F. and Louise (Grandjean) Dwyer, and his brothers, Charles Dwyer and wife Marty, and Billy Dwyer. Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Dorothy "Dot" Weiss Dwyer; sons, Dr. Stephen Dwyer and wife Judy, Dr. Kevin Dwyer, Tim Dwyer and wife Pam, and Brian Dwyer; grandchildren, Shannon Underwood and husband Joe, Kyle Dwyer and wife Sarah, Kelsey Dwyer, Taylor Dwyer, Darby Dwyer, and Delaney Dwyer; great-grandchildren, Jacqueline Underwood, and twins, Tucker and Tavin Dwyer; sister-in-law, Cliftine Dwyer; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and many friends. Serving as pallbearers will be Robin Dwyer, Pat Dwyer, Michael Dwyer, Chuck Dwyer, Kyle Dwyer, Bill Weiss, Hank Weiss, Rod Weiss, and Adam Pereira. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P. O. Box 1000 DEPT 142, Memphis TN 38101-9908 or to St. James Catholic Church, 510 S. Camp St., Seguin, Texas, 78155.