Kirk David Schwabe, 69, of Hendersonville, TN, passed away on Friday, July 3, 2026. He was born to Karl Fador Schwabe and Carol Ann (Cochran) Schwabe.

Kirk is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Janet (Burke) Schwabe; two daughters, Amanda (José) Perez of Los Angeles, CA, and Sarah (Travis) Gordon of Broomfield, CO; and two granddaughters, Opal Gordon (6) and Iyla Gordon (5 months).

Kirk always knew he wanted to be a police officer. He earned a Bachelor's in Police Administration from Eastern Kentucky University, a Master's in Criminal Justice from Lewis University, and was a graduate of the Chicago Police Academy and the Northwestern University School of Police Staff & Command. He spent 22 years with the Downers Grove Police Department, rising to meet every challenge he encountered. He served on an undercover narcotics task force and the SWAT team, and worked as a homicide detective and hostage negotiator, bringing every situation he managed to a safe resolution. These accomplishments led to Kirk becoming the youngest detective in the department’s history before retiring at the rank of Lieutenant.

After retirement, Kirk and Janet moved to Hendersonville, Tennessee, where he found a second calling teaching Criminal Justice at Hendersonville High School. During his ten years in the classroom, he inspired countless students to pursue careers in law enforcement and criminal justice, but more importantly, he invested in them as people. His influence extended far beyond the classroom, and the lives he touched stand as one of his greatest legacies.

Above all else, Kirk was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who cherished his family. His Christian faith was the foundation of his life and guided the way he loved, served, and cared for others. His greatest joy was the time he spent with Janet, his children, and his granddaughters. He loved the outdoors, whether he was out on the lake or caring for the acreage he and Janet called home. He also loved traveling with family and friends, especially road trips where the journey was just as meaningful as the destination. He was always eager to take the scenic back roads, or make an unexpected stop along the way. Over the last six years, he and Janet treasured their time together in Florida, embracing a slower pace of life and the well-earned joys of retirement. No matter the circumstance, Kirk had a remarkable sense of humor and an ability to make those around him laugh, a gift that remained one of his defining qualities throughout his life.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 9th from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Sumner Funeral & Cremation, 104 Sanders Ferry Road, Hendersonville, TN 37075. A memorial gathering will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with the funeral beginning at 12:00 p.m., at First Baptist Church Chapel, 106 Bluegrass Commons Blvd., Hendersonville, TN. Gravesite services will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Hendersonville Memory Gardens, 353 E. Main Street, Hendersonville, TN 37075.

Arrangements are entrusted to Sumner Funeral and Cremation Lakeside, 615-822-4442, www.sumnerfuneral.com.