July 14, 1941 May 20, 2026
Harvey A. Schwertner, born July 14, 1941, passed away at the age of 84 on May 20, 2026, in Boerne, Texas. He was the beloved son of Alfred and Frances Schwertner and grew up on the family farm in Wall, Texas, where he learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and devotion to family. Harvey was a farmer, military officer that achieved the rank of Colonel, research scientist, and academic scholar.
Harvey’s early years were shaped by farm work alongside his brothers during the severe drought of the 1950s. Together, Harvey, Charles, and Larry witnessed major changes in agriculture, from basic tractors with umbrellas and foam seats to 4-cylinder engines, air-conditioned cabs, and increasingly advanced equipment. These experiences instilled in him a lifelong curiosity, resilience, and appreciation for progress.
Harvey attended Hess-Averitt School near Vancourt and graduated from Wall High School in 1959. He then attended Texas A&M University alongside his brothers, earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. In 1971, he completed his PhD at UCLA, beginning a distinguished career in science, medicine, and service.
Harvey entered the United States Air Force in 1968 and served at the School of Aerospace Medicine at Brooks AFB in San Antonio. He worked as a Biomedical Laboratory Officer in the Life Support Branch for space flights and later in the USAF Epidemiology Division until 1972. He served on active duty from 1968 to 1972 and later continued as a reserve officer for 25 years during which he was called back to serve in Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield. During his military service, he also served on the Surgeon General’s Staff as a USAF consultant at Brooks Air Force Base for six years.
Following his military service, Harvey spent a year in civil service before joining the UT Health Science Center as a professor of pathology and pharmacology, where he taught and mentored medical and PhD students. In 1991, he became a research chemist in the Clinical Research Division at Wilford Hall Medical Center. Over the course of his career, he taught students and faculty from minority universities, conducted groundbreaking research, published more than 100 peer-reviewed journal articles, delivered more than 86 presentations in the United States and abroad, and wrote four book chapters. His work earned seven patents and more than 21 national and international scientific awards.
Although Harvey achieved many academic and scientific accolades, his most notable scientific achievement was the discovery of CK-MB isoenzymes, which revolutionized the early detection of myocardial infarction and transformed emergency cardiac care. This discovery has had far reaching implications for all of mankind.
He was invited to serve as principal speaker at the opening of the Linus Pauling Institute of Science and Medicine Symposium on the Therapeutic Potential of Biological Antioxidants in Tiburon, California, honoring Nobel Laureate Dr. Linus Pauling, the recipient of two Nobel Prizes.
In 2008, Harvey was invited to speak at the Ehrlich II Second World Conference on Magic Bullets in Nuremberg, Germany, commemorating the 100th anniversary of Dr. Paul Ehrlich’s Nobel Prize. He also identified serum bilirubin as a new risk factor for cardiovascular disease, further advancing preventive medicine. In recognition of his expertise and scientific contributions, he was frequently recruited by leading universities and international diagnostic and pharmaceutical companies.
After retiring from Wilford Hall in 2017, Harvey embraced his love of travel, exploring Europe, the Holy Land, and many beautiful places across the United States, especially Hawaii. He and his wife cherished their 22-acre hilltop country home near Welfare, with its sweeping views and diverse trees. Nature brought him peace, joy, and a lasting sense of wonder.
Harvey deeply loved his country, and he loved his family even more. He cherished family gatherings and weddings, especially in Wall, where his roots ran deep. He also looked forward each year to the St. Ambrose Fall Festival and time spent with his many cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
Harvey is survived by his devoted wife, Deborah Schwertner; his brother, Larry Schwertner of Lake Jackson; his sister, Donna (Jerry) Multer of Wall; his sister-in-law, Kaye Schwertner of Abilene; his stepsons Jason and David Rios; three grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Charles Schwertner, and his sister-in-law, Donna Schwertner.
He touched many lives and helped so many people through his research; Harvey will be deeply missed.
A Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, with the recitation of the Rosary at 6 p.m. at Ebensberger Fisher Funeral Home in Boerne. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27, at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Boerne, with burial at Mission Park Dominion, followed by a reception.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Harvey Schwertner’s memory to St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Boerne or to the charity of your choice.
— PAID OBITUARY —
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