Dr. Howard P. Schwartz

Dr. Howard P. Schwartz, a visionary leader whose wisdom, humor, and steady hand helped modernize the Kansas judicial system and uplift countless lives, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, June 8th, at home in Topeka, KS. He was 80.

Howard is survived by his loving wife, Elaine Schwartz; daughters Danelle (Jared) Harsin and Shawn Wesner and stepsons Daric (Joni) Wells and Dane (Melissa) Wells; Grandchildren Burke & Brynn Harsin, Addison, Joaquin, & Teagan Wesner, Corey (Danai) Wells, Chase (Brandi) Wells, Carissa (Josh) Koger, Danae (Doug) Mercer, Kami (Jon) Belleau and great-grandchildren Claire, Dane, Carley, Johnlee, Cainyn, Cyler, Cohen, Carsleigh, Beckett, Easton, and Gemma. He is also survived by his brother Paul (Barb) Schwartz, along with nephews, Saul (Becky) Schwartz, and David Schwartz, stepsister, Esther (Bob) Bliss and niece, Joyce (Bob) Steinfeld.

Born May 15, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Howard’s early life was rooted in family, the Jewish faith, and perseverance. After the death of his father when he was sixteen, he helped run his family’s delicatessen—an experience that shaped his lifelong belief that serving people with dignity and respect is at the heart of all good work.

Drawn to Kansas by both curiosity and conviction plus a fellow Overbrook High (Philly) graduate, Wilt Chamberlin who he listened on the radio play for Kansas University. Howard attended Emporia State University, earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees before completing a doctorate in Personnel Administration from Texas A&M University. Those academic pursuits became the foundation for a career defined by fairness, innovation, and public service.

From 1972-1975 he was the Associate Director of Data Processing and Educational Measurement Center at Emporia State University. He was then hired by the State of Kansas as the Director of Employment Services, Department of Administration and in 1978 became the Personnel Officer for the Kansas Supreme Court. Howard was appointed as Director of the Office of Judicial Administration for the Kansas Supreme Court in 1979, a position he held for an extraordinary 32 years—the longest tenure of any state court administrator in the nation. Under his leadership, Kansas courts underwent historic transformation: 105 counties were unified under a single system, new technologies and case-management processes modernized the courts, and fair, consistent child-support guidelines were created to protect families statewide.

Howard was widely admired for his intellect, integrity, and deep humanity. His colleagues often said he could balance logic with compassion and progress with patience. His quiet but determined leadership became a national model for how government can serve with both efficiency and empathy. Howard’s approach to leadership was both bold and deeply human. He believed that true progress came from listening, collaboration, and courage—the courage to make decisions not for applause, but for the greater good. His reforms gave judges control of their own dockets, streamlined courts across Kansas, and became a model admired nationwide. He served at the pleasure of 7 different Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justices.

Howard’s friendship and collaboration with Chief Justice Kay McFarland also continued her vision for beauty and reflection through Kay’s Garden, the Kay McFarland Japanese Garden at the Topeka Zoo. His careful stewardship helped transform that dream into one of Topeka’s most beloved spaces, where serenity and community flourish side by side.

Known for his humility, warmth, and sharp wit, Howard could make anyone feel heard. He often said the key to leadership was listening more than speaking, and those who knew him well say he lived that truth every day. His legacy will endure not only in the systems he reformed but in the people, he mentored, the family he loved, and the countless lives he touched with kindness and grace.

The funeral with family and friends gathering to share stories, music, and memories in Howard’s honor will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, June 15th at Dove Southwest Chapel on 3700 SW Wanamaker Road in Topeka. Interment will occur at Mt. Hope Cemetary, 4700 SW 17th Street, Topeka, with lunch to follow in the reception center at Mt. Hope. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Temple Beth Sholom, 4200 SW Munson Ave, Topeka, KS 66604, continuing Howard’s lifelong mission of service, education, and legacy preservation.

Howard’s story reminds us all that leadership is not about titles or power—it’s about helping others stand taller, live with purpose, and leave the world a little fairer than we found it. His leadership redefined justice. His kindness restored faith in institutions. And his example continues to inspire a new generation to build, give, and remember. He had been on Hospice since March 2025, defying many times the active dying stage to stay alive for his granddaughter Brynn’s Bat Mitzvah at Temple Beth Sholom, and his 80th and Elaine’s 75th birthday party at the Kay McFarland Japanese Garden in May.

The family would like to invite you to watch his Kansas Oral History Project interview at https://ksoralhistory.org/?_s=howard+schwartz&s= and read his Lasting Legacy Story at https://read.lastinglegacyonline.com/book/howard-schwartz