Rhett Jarard Schwandner, 66, of Washington, Indiana, peacefully passed away in his sleep on July 26, 2014 in the Evansville home of his daughter and close friend, Cassie and Denise Schwandner. Visitation will be held at Ed Lee Mortuary in Washington on Thursday, July 31, 2014 from 4-7 PM. A memorial service to celebrate his love for life and the powerful impact he had on all who knew and loved him will commence immediately after the visitation hours at 7:00 PM. Rhett was born on December 5, 1947 in Washington, Indiana to Robert Joseph Schwandner and Rita McGrath Schwandner. He graduated from Washington High School in 1966 where he played varsity football. He followed in his father''s footsteps and worked for many years before retiring from CSX Railroad. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and was awarded two Bronze Stars for heroic service and a Purple Heart for being wounded in action. He was involved in the Washington chapter of the American Legion. He is survived by his daughter, Cassie Schwandner of Evansville; his brothers, Robert Judd Schwandner of Cape Coral, Florida; Rodney Joseph Schwandner and his wife, Debbie, of South Bend, Indiana; Robert Joseph Schwandner, Jr. and his wife, Shannon, of Cape Coral, Florida; Alfred V. Springer III and his wife, Melinda, of Austin, Texas; and his sister, Cynthia Springer and her husband Jerry Parks of Lake Oswego, Oregon. In addition, he will be immensely missed by his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews as well as a multitude of friends. All who were introduced to Rhett, were profoundly affected by his zest for life and his love of the outdoors. Rhett will forever be remembered as a loving father, devoted brother, and true friend. He was an avid hunter, fisher, and camper. He lived life to the fullest and rode his motorcycle with passion and enjoyed cross-country trips to the National Parks. He was known in his neighborhood for standing under the recreation center during thunderstorms, so he was able to admire the splendor of nature from all angles with an uninhibited view. He leaves behind a legacy of love and adventure. May the twinkle in your eyes and the devilish grin forever shine on.