Ira Julius Schantz

Ira Julius Schantz, 91, went to his heavenly reward on March 16, 2014, from his home in Rogers, Ark. Ira was born on Aug. 11, 1922, in Roby, Texas, to Gustav L. Schantz and Gesena (Gruben) Schantz. He attended the Lubbock Public Schools. Ira served in the U.S. Army in World War II as a technician in the Philippines, 1942-46, where he appeared regularly on many G.I. radio programs and as soloist for numerous Army-sponsored affairs. In 1950, he graduated with a bachelor of music from North Texas State University. From 1953-55, he was a professional singer in New York City and member of the famous Robert Shaw Choral. During his career, Ira was instructor of vocal music at Texas Tech University, 1950-52 and 1955-57, and Howard County Junior College, 1957-64. In 1964, he became associate professor of voice in the Department of Music at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, where he taught until his retirement in 1985. He also served as music director and regular soloist at various churches. A specialist in oratorio, Ira was tenor soloist in practically all of the leading oratorios performed by leading choral groups, choral societies, opera companies, symphony orchestras, colleges, universities and churches throughout the United States and Europe. He enjoyed world travel, especially in the Orient, World War II history, reading about the lives of great composers and was a connoisseur of classical music. He loved every one of his voice students and was so very proud of their accomplishments and contributions in life. Schantz was preceded in death by one brother, Gerald Schantz of Lubbock; and two sisters, Gertrude Caplan of Port St. Lucie, Fla., and Gladys Schantz of El Paso. He is survived by his unofficially adopted son and family, Alan E., Paula, Zachary and Jacob Johnson of Rogers, Ark.; nephew, Lamar Schantz of Conroe, Texas; nieces, Linda Hammack of Leavenworth, Kan., and Susan Garcia of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; two grandnieces; and one grandnephew. Ira grew up going to and singing in church, but it wasn't until 1978 that he fully committed his life to Jesus Christ. From that time on he was a faithful member of the Wedgwood Church of the Nazarene in Fort Worth and most recently at Peace Lutheran Church in Fairfield Bay, Ark. The inscription that Ira requested to be written on his head stone summarizes his heart and life: "God alone matters; all else is nothing!" Memorials may be made to the Ira J. Schantz Vocal Music Scholarship at TCU (Office of Donor Relations), TCU Box 297045, Fort Worth, TX 76129, or online at makeagift.tcu.edu, or sent c/o Rev. Alan Johnson, 4911 W. Pleasant Grove Road, Rogers, AR 72758.