Ward Loren Schrantz was a newpaper editorial writer for the Carthage Evening Press Newspaper From the late 1940's until the time of his death in 1958 he had a regular weekly article that highlighted the happening around Carthage prior to and just after the turn of the 1900's. His work is still referred to for factual information to this day.
His wife was Miss Delphia Hoover Schrantz
He was the son of Henry Schrantz and Kate Ream Schrantz Monnett
According to his Missouri Death Certificate he was pronounced dead on arrival at McCune-Brooks Hospital of unknown natural causes after being rushed there from his home at 125 West Centennial.
The death certificate can be viewed at Missouri Digital Archives/death certificates online website.
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CARTHAGE EVENING PRESS
July 5, 1958
DIES SUDDENLY
Col. Ward L. Schrantz, editorial writer on the PRESS, and veteran of World Wars I and II and on the Mexican border, dropped dead about 1 o'clock Thursday afternoon at the corner of Lyon and Fourth.
The sudden death of one of Carthage's foremost citizens stunned the community. Death apparently was due to a heart attack.
George W. Matthews, Carthage route 4, saw Schrantz collapse and notified the sheriff's office. That department immediately notified Ulmers. An ambulance was summoned and rushed Colonel Schrantz to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead by a physician.
So far as members of his family were aware he had not suffered from a heart ailment and Mrs. Schrantz said he remarked Thursday morning as he left for the PRESS office he was feeling fine and was in good spirits.
Born in Ohio
Colonel Schrantz left THE PRESS shortly after noon Thursday and had lunch at the Blue Lantern, joining friends who happened to be there for the noon day meal. The PRESS published at noon in order that the staff could get away early for the Fourth of July holiday.
Where he was headed when he dropped dead, of course, is unknown. some surmised he may have felt ill and was on his way to his doctor's office. Others thought that he was bound for the War museum in Memorial Hall, in which he was vitally interested and which he, more than any other person, had given time and energy in developing.
Colonel Schrantz was born November 13, 1890 in Stark county, Ohio, and when he was a small child his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Schrantz came to Carthage. His father died January 30, 1893; his mother on July 20, 1924.
Ward Schrantz began his newspaper work as a carrier on the Carthage Democrat, then located at Third and Howard. Cornelius Roach, later to become secretary of state and a banker in Kansas City, was the editor at that time. Mr. Roach died a number of years ago. Mrs. Roach still lives in Kansas City.
Wrote Press Editorials
Later he transferred to The PRESS as a carrier. He rose to circulation manager then became office manager. But his chief interest was writing and he contributed articles along with his other duties, these mainly of a historical nature. He was interested in history and was an authority on the subject so far as southwest Missouri was concerned.
Following his return from world War II, he rejoined The PRESS as editorial and feature writer. Between times he wrote feature articles, mostly dealing with historical events of particular interest to this region. He was keenly interested in city affairs and it was he who covered the meetings of the city council and kept Carthage citizens fully acquainted with the proceedings of that all-important body.
He was always interested in the army. In that field, as in the newspaper world, his talents quickly showed themselves and he rose to the rank of colonel and received many military honors.
Long Military Service
Early in life he joined the National Guard. Then came a time when he quit civilian life to do a hitch in the regular army. Upon expiration of his enlistment he returned to The PRESS and again united with Company A, Carthage unit of the Missouri National Guard. Eventually he was elected to the post of captain and it was as captain that he led Company A into the trouble zone along the Mexican border in 1916 and into World War I in April 1917. The first stop was at Camp Doniphan, Lawton, Oklahoma for training. Then eventually to France and the battles of 1918, which led to the collapse of Germany and surrender on November 11, 1918.
On February 23, 1918 Captain Schrantz and Miss Delphia Hoover were married at Lawton, Oklahoma. This was three weeks before he was sent overseas as one of an advance detachment.
By war's end he was a major in command of a battalion. His unit fought in the Meuse-Argonne offensive where the Kaiser's once vaunted armies were crushed and led to Germany's raising the white flag of surrender. He returned to the states in may 1919 and two weeks later was released from duty at Fort Riley, Kansas.
With that war over Ward returned to The PRESS and was with The PRESS until the United States was catapulted into World War II by Japan's sneak attack at Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941.
He had remained in the active reserves and by that time he had been elevated to the rank of colonel.
Colonel Schrantz was recalled to service in August 1942 to serve as a troop transport commander and as such he supervised troop activities on ocean bound movements aboard the great liners to the European and African war zones and continued in that capacity until the war's end.
Highest Missouri Award
War over, he again resumed civil life in January 1946, returning to The PRESS and assuming the editorial chair and his writing career. He was a tireless worker. It was difficult to say which he loved more - writing or military life. He was a keen student of both professions and his ability as a military tactician was lauded by military leaders. He was vice president of The PRESS board of directors. Colonel Schrantz was presented Missouri's highest military award, the state meritorious military medal by the then Gov. Forrest Donnell in June 1946 for his distinguished military service. At that time he was a reserve colonel. The medal formally was pinned on Colonel Schrantz at ceremonies here by Gen. John A. Harris, then adjutant general of Missouri.
His other military decorations include the European, African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign ribbon, Bronze Star, Victory Medal, American Theater Campaign Ribbon and the Silver Star for gallantry in action in World War I.
After World War II Colonel Schrantz assisted with the organization of the 5436th Station Complement, Army Organized Reserve unit here, and served as its commander until November 8, 1950 when he had reached retirement age of 60.
Served Community Well
Carthage was mindful of Colonel Schrantz' services to his community and the nation and on December 16, 1950 paid tribute to him at a luncheon at the Drake Hotel. Brig. Gen. Marcus A. Bell, a former Carthaginian and school boy friend of the Carthage officer, was speaker on that occasion, General Bell, now retired, lives in Columbus, Georgia.
Colonel Schrantz was presented a pen and ink set on that occasion, the presentation being made by J. L. 'Si' Morgan, then president of the Chamber of Commerce.
While retired, Colonel Schrantz never lost his interest in the military. He followed developments with the keenest interest and did a stint as civil defense director for several years. He was appointed in 1950 to that post.
His interest in local history led him to write a book, "Jasper County in the Civil War." This book found a ready sale and the last copies were sold several years ago.
His knowledge of Carthage and district history led to many speaking engagements and children - from the grades through high school - frequently came to him for information to be used in their studies. They always found him ready and eager to assist.
Was a Councilman
Colonel Schrantz had served for years as a member of Memorial Hall board, later changed to Municipal Buildings board when the Civic Center was taken over. He was a member of that body at the time of death. He also served a term as city councilman.
Colonel Schrantz long had taken an active part in the First Presbyterian church and served for many years as an elder. He was the teacher of the Fifty-Fifty Sunday School class at the time of his death.
Ward always was ready to serve in any capacity in which he felt he could be of service.
Surviving Colonel Schrantz are his wife; two daughters, Mrs. B. H. Sellers, the former Miss Dorothy Schrantz of Savannah, GA., and Miss Jeanne Schrantz, with the advertising department of Coats & Clark, Inc., New York City; two sisters, Mrs. Rachel McKamey and Mrs. W. C. Bakhus, the latter the forer Katie Schrantz, both of Tacoma, Washington; a brother, Harold Schrantz of Minco, OK.; two grandchildren, Patty and Ward Schrantz Sellers of Savannah.
A sister, Mrs. Lotta Schrantz Hooper, passed away in Tacoma, Washington. A brother also died in Texas.
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The military service of a resident of Carthage, Jasper County, Missouri, who served in the Missouri National Guard and the U.S. Army before World War I. He was a captain of a machine gun battalion in Europe, 1917‑1919, a reserve officer, 1920‑1942, and a U.S. Army troopship commander during World War II.
Ward Schrantz wrote in his memoirs that, kindly or otherwise, nature had bestowed upon him an innate interest in military subjects. His interest was also stimulated by stories he heard told by Civil War and Spanish‑American War veterans in his home town of Carthage, Missouri. Schrantz enlisted in Co. A, 2nd Missouri National Guard, at Carthage in 1909. It was the beginning of a career which lasted, with a few exceptions, until his mandatory retirement in 1950.
Schrantz left the National Guard in 1912 and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He received recruit training at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis before assignment to the 22nd U.S. Infantry at Fort Bliss, Texas. He spent the next two years in garrisons at Galveston and Texas City, Texas, watching over the troubled border with Mexico. There was plenty of tension, but no action, and Schrantz purchased his discharge from the army in 1914. He returned to Missouri to accept a position with the Carthage Press. He also reenlisted in the 2nd Missouri National Guard, with rank as sergeant. Schrantz was in Texas again in 1916, this time with the 2nd Missouri, which had been federalized by congressional declaration in connection with disturbances on the border with Mexico. The Missouri outfit spent six months in Texas before demobilization in January 1917.
Schrantz was elected captain of Co. A, 2nd Missouri National Guard, in April 1917, a few months before its federalization for European service in World War I. The guard trained at Camp Doniphan, Oklahoma, where it was reorganized as Co. A of the new 128th Machine Gun Battalion, part of the 35th U.S. Infantry Division. Schrantz left for Europe in April 1918 as a member of an advance party of the army. His unit joined him in May, receiving orientation and training with British forces before moving into the lines. Schrantz and his gunners received their first experience in the trenches in the Vosges Mountains sector of the Alsace region. In reserve during the St. Mihiel offensive, the unit first came under fire in the Argonne Forest, where it sustained several casualties and suffered two deaths. Schrantz was cited for gallantry in the campaign. The battalion was posted in a quiet sector of the front until the armistice. Schrantz was promoted to major of the 130th Machine Gun Battalion in April 1919, but commanded only briefly before returning for discharge at Camp Funston, Kansas, in May 1919.
Schrantz returned to his former occupation with the Carthage Press. He was unconnected with any military organization from May to October 1919, the longest period of separation with some component of the army from 1909 to his retirement. It was also his last period of separation. He applied for and was granted the rank of major in the Officers Reserve Corps in October 1919. During the 1920's and 1930's, Schrantz was assigned to various reserve units, including the 54th and 408th Infantry regiments, and the 54th, 89th, and 102nd Infantry divisions, and administered Citizens' Military Training Camp programs at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, Fort Crook, Nebraska, and Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He also attended General Staff School and War College courses at Washington, D.C., and was involved in mobilization exercises at Omaha, Nebraska, and Fort Lewis, Washington. During his time in the reserve, Schrantz received promotions to lieutenant colonel and colonel.
At the onset of World War II, Schrantz hoped to obtain active command of an infantry regiment. However, his age and reserve status ruled out such a position under War Department policies. When called to active service in August 1942, he was assigned to the Army Port Authority at Boston. Instead of the stateside service which he feared, Schrantz was assigned as an Army troop ship commander. He was sent to New Orleans and the troopship Evangeline in September 1942.
Troopship commanders were placed aboard every transport vessel. They were in absolute command of loading and unloading of passengers and, in fact, everything which did not pertain to actual operation of the ship. While prosaic, the duty was not without danger during the worst of the German submarine operations in the Atlantic. Schrantz's first voyage was to the army training bases in Cuba and Panama. Then followed voyages between Algeria and New York City. By February 1943, Schrantz had covered 12,490 nautical miles and had carried 2,777 passengers, figures which were to be greatly surpassed in his next assignment.
Troopships had been reclassified according to capacity during Schrantz's voyages to North Africa. As a full colonel, Schrantz drew an assignment to the Motor Ship John Ericsson, the former Swedish-American liner Kungsholm, which had been bought by the government and renamed for the inventor of the Monitor of American Civil War fame. The ship had berth space for 5,50l passengers. Between 1943 and the war's end Schrantz made twenty‑five round‑trip voyages on the John Ericsson from New York to Oran, Casablanca, and Mers‑EI‑Kebir, North Africa; Capetown, South Africa; Glasgow, Scotland; Liverpool and London, England; Naples, Italy, and Palermo, Sicily; and Cherbourg, LeHavre and Marseilles, France. Schrantz's charges included American, Australian, British, and Puerto Rican troops, army nurses and Red Cross personnel, survivors of ships which had been torpedoed, and German and Italian prisoners‑of‑war. Schrantz also made one voyage as deputy transport commander aboard the Queen Mary. Despite constant danger from enemy submarines and aircraft, Schrantz never lost a ship and lost only two passengers, due to shipboard accidents.
Upon his retirement in 1950, Schrantz returned to Carthage and took a position with the Carthage Press, where he wrote features and editorials, and served as resident historian. In this latter capacity, Schrantz wrote hundreds of articles dealing with the history of Carthage, Jasper County, and southwestern Missouri. At the time of his death in 1958, Schrantz was one of the most respected citizens of Carthage and Jasper County's premier local historian.
Funeral services were under the direction of Ulmer Funeral Home He was a veteran of World War 1 and II
His wife was Miss Delphia Hoover Schrantz
He was the son of Henry Schrantz and Kate Ream Schrantz Monnett
According to his Missouri Death Certificate he was pronounced dead on arrival at McCune-Brooks Hospital of unknown natural causes after being rushed there from his home at 125 West Centennial.
The death certificate can be viewed at Missouri Digital Archives/death certificates online website.
*•★*•~*~★*~*~•★*•*
CARTHAGE EVENING PRESS
July 5, 1958
DIES SUDDENLY
Col. Ward L. Schrantz, editorial writer on the PRESS, and veteran of World Wars I and II and on the Mexican border, dropped dead about 1 o'clock Thursday afternoon at the corner of Lyon and Fourth.
The sudden death of one of Carthage's foremost citizens stunned the community. Death apparently was due to a heart attack.
George W. Matthews, Carthage route 4, saw Schrantz collapse and notified the sheriff's office. That department immediately notified Ulmers. An ambulance was summoned and rushed Colonel Schrantz to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead by a physician.
So far as members of his family were aware he had not suffered from a heart ailment and Mrs. Schrantz said he remarked Thursday morning as he left for the PRESS office he was feeling fine and was in good spirits.
Born in Ohio
Colonel Schrantz left THE PRESS shortly after noon Thursday and had lunch at the Blue Lantern, joining friends who happened to be there for the noon day meal. The PRESS published at noon in order that the staff could get away early for the Fourth of July holiday.
Where he was headed when he dropped dead, of course, is unknown. some surmised he may have felt ill and was on his way to his doctor's office. Others thought that he was bound for the War museum in Memorial Hall, in which he was vitally interested and which he, more than any other person, had given time and energy in developing.
Colonel Schrantz was born November 13, 1890 in Stark county, Ohio, and when he was a small child his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Schrantz came to Carthage. His father died January 30, 1893; his mother on July 20, 1924.
Ward Schrantz began his newspaper work as a carrier on the Carthage Democrat, then located at Third and Howard. Cornelius Roach, later to become secretary of state and a banker in Kansas City, was the editor at that time. Mr. Roach died a number of years ago. Mrs. Roach still lives in Kansas City.
Wrote Press Editorials
Later he transferred to The PRESS as a carrier. He rose to circulation manager then became office manager. But his chief interest was writing and he contributed articles along with his other duties, these mainly of a historical nature. He was interested in history and was an authority on the subject so far as southwest Missouri was concerned.
Following his return from world War II, he rejoined The PRESS as editorial and feature writer. Between times he wrote feature articles, mostly dealing with historical events of particular interest to this region. He was keenly interested in city affairs and it was he who covered the meetings of the city council and kept Carthage citizens fully acquainted with the proceedings of that all-important body.
He was always interested in the army. In that field, as in the newspaper world, his talents quickly showed themselves and he rose to the rank of colonel and received many military honors.
Long Military Service
Early in life he joined the National Guard. Then came a time when he quit civilian life to do a hitch in the regular army. Upon expiration of his enlistment he returned to The PRESS and again united with Company A, Carthage unit of the Missouri National Guard. Eventually he was elected to the post of captain and it was as captain that he led Company A into the trouble zone along the Mexican border in 1916 and into World War I in April 1917. The first stop was at Camp Doniphan, Lawton, Oklahoma for training. Then eventually to France and the battles of 1918, which led to the collapse of Germany and surrender on November 11, 1918.
On February 23, 1918 Captain Schrantz and Miss Delphia Hoover were married at Lawton, Oklahoma. This was three weeks before he was sent overseas as one of an advance detachment.
By war's end he was a major in command of a battalion. His unit fought in the Meuse-Argonne offensive where the Kaiser's once vaunted armies were crushed and led to Germany's raising the white flag of surrender. He returned to the states in may 1919 and two weeks later was released from duty at Fort Riley, Kansas.
With that war over Ward returned to The PRESS and was with The PRESS until the United States was catapulted into World War II by Japan's sneak attack at Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941.
He had remained in the active reserves and by that time he had been elevated to the rank of colonel.
Colonel Schrantz was recalled to service in August 1942 to serve as a troop transport commander and as such he supervised troop activities on ocean bound movements aboard the great liners to the European and African war zones and continued in that capacity until the war's end.
Highest Missouri Award
War over, he again resumed civil life in January 1946, returning to The PRESS and assuming the editorial chair and his writing career. He was a tireless worker. It was difficult to say which he loved more - writing or military life. He was a keen student of both professions and his ability as a military tactician was lauded by military leaders. He was vice president of The PRESS board of directors. Colonel Schrantz was presented Missouri's highest military award, the state meritorious military medal by the then Gov. Forrest Donnell in June 1946 for his distinguished military service. At that time he was a reserve colonel. The medal formally was pinned on Colonel Schrantz at ceremonies here by Gen. John A. Harris, then adjutant general of Missouri.
His other military decorations include the European, African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign ribbon, Bronze Star, Victory Medal, American Theater Campaign Ribbon and the Silver Star for gallantry in action in World War I.
After World War II Colonel Schrantz assisted with the organization of the 5436th Station Complement, Army Organized Reserve unit here, and served as its commander until November 8, 1950 when he had reached retirement age of 60.
Served Community Well
Carthage was mindful of Colonel Schrantz' services to his community and the nation and on December 16, 1950 paid tribute to him at a luncheon at the Drake Hotel. Brig. Gen. Marcus A. Bell, a former Carthaginian and school boy friend of the Carthage officer, was speaker on that occasion, General Bell, now retired, lives in Columbus, Georgia.
Colonel Schrantz was presented a pen and ink set on that occasion, the presentation being made by J. L. 'Si' Morgan, then president of the Chamber of Commerce.
While retired, Colonel Schrantz never lost his interest in the military. He followed developments with the keenest interest and did a stint as civil defense director for several years. He was appointed in 1950 to that post.
His interest in local history led him to write a book, "Jasper County in the Civil War." This book found a ready sale and the last copies were sold several years ago.
His knowledge of Carthage and district history led to many speaking engagements and children - from the grades through high school - frequently came to him for information to be used in their studies. They always found him ready and eager to assist.
Was a Councilman
Colonel Schrantz had served for years as a member of Memorial Hall board, later changed to Municipal Buildings board when the Civic Center was taken over. He was a member of that body at the time of death. He also served a term as city councilman.
Colonel Schrantz long had taken an active part in the First Presbyterian church and served for many years as an elder. He was the teacher of the Fifty-Fifty Sunday School class at the time of his death.
Ward always was ready to serve in any capacity in which he felt he could be of service.
Surviving Colonel Schrantz are his wife; two daughters, Mrs. B. H. Sellers, the former Miss Dorothy Schrantz of Savannah, GA., and Miss Jeanne Schrantz, with the advertising department of Coats & Clark, Inc., New York City; two sisters, Mrs. Rachel McKamey and Mrs. W. C. Bakhus, the latter the forer Katie Schrantz, both of Tacoma, Washington; a brother, Harold Schrantz of Minco, OK.; two grandchildren, Patty and Ward Schrantz Sellers of Savannah.
A sister, Mrs. Lotta Schrantz Hooper, passed away in Tacoma, Washington. A brother also died in Texas.
*•★*•~*~★*~*~•★*•*
The military service of a resident of Carthage, Jasper County, Missouri, who served in the Missouri National Guard and the U.S. Army before World War I. He was a captain of a machine gun battalion in Europe, 1917‑1919, a reserve officer, 1920‑1942, and a U.S. Army troopship commander during World War II.
Ward Schrantz wrote in his memoirs that, kindly or otherwise, nature had bestowed upon him an innate interest in military subjects. His interest was also stimulated by stories he heard told by Civil War and Spanish‑American War veterans in his home town of Carthage, Missouri. Schrantz enlisted in Co. A, 2nd Missouri National Guard, at Carthage in 1909. It was the beginning of a career which lasted, with a few exceptions, until his mandatory retirement in 1950.
Schrantz left the National Guard in 1912 and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He received recruit training at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis before assignment to the 22nd U.S. Infantry at Fort Bliss, Texas. He spent the next two years in garrisons at Galveston and Texas City, Texas, watching over the troubled border with Mexico. There was plenty of tension, but no action, and Schrantz purchased his discharge from the army in 1914. He returned to Missouri to accept a position with the Carthage Press. He also reenlisted in the 2nd Missouri National Guard, with rank as sergeant. Schrantz was in Texas again in 1916, this time with the 2nd Missouri, which had been federalized by congressional declaration in connection with disturbances on the border with Mexico. The Missouri outfit spent six months in Texas before demobilization in January 1917.
Schrantz was elected captain of Co. A, 2nd Missouri National Guard, in April 1917, a few months before its federalization for European service in World War I. The guard trained at Camp Doniphan, Oklahoma, where it was reorganized as Co. A of the new 128th Machine Gun Battalion, part of the 35th U.S. Infantry Division. Schrantz left for Europe in April 1918 as a member of an advance party of the army. His unit joined him in May, receiving orientation and training with British forces before moving into the lines. Schrantz and his gunners received their first experience in the trenches in the Vosges Mountains sector of the Alsace region. In reserve during the St. Mihiel offensive, the unit first came under fire in the Argonne Forest, where it sustained several casualties and suffered two deaths. Schrantz was cited for gallantry in the campaign. The battalion was posted in a quiet sector of the front until the armistice. Schrantz was promoted to major of the 130th Machine Gun Battalion in April 1919, but commanded only briefly before returning for discharge at Camp Funston, Kansas, in May 1919.
Schrantz returned to his former occupation with the Carthage Press. He was unconnected with any military organization from May to October 1919, the longest period of separation with some component of the army from 1909 to his retirement. It was also his last period of separation. He applied for and was granted the rank of major in the Officers Reserve Corps in October 1919. During the 1920's and 1930's, Schrantz was assigned to various reserve units, including the 54th and 408th Infantry regiments, and the 54th, 89th, and 102nd Infantry divisions, and administered Citizens' Military Training Camp programs at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, Fort Crook, Nebraska, and Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He also attended General Staff School and War College courses at Washington, D.C., and was involved in mobilization exercises at Omaha, Nebraska, and Fort Lewis, Washington. During his time in the reserve, Schrantz received promotions to lieutenant colonel and colonel.
At the onset of World War II, Schrantz hoped to obtain active command of an infantry regiment. However, his age and reserve status ruled out such a position under War Department policies. When called to active service in August 1942, he was assigned to the Army Port Authority at Boston. Instead of the stateside service which he feared, Schrantz was assigned as an Army troop ship commander. He was sent to New Orleans and the troopship Evangeline in September 1942.
Troopship commanders were placed aboard every transport vessel. They were in absolute command of loading and unloading of passengers and, in fact, everything which did not pertain to actual operation of the ship. While prosaic, the duty was not without danger during the worst of the German submarine operations in the Atlantic. Schrantz's first voyage was to the army training bases in Cuba and Panama. Then followed voyages between Algeria and New York City. By February 1943, Schrantz had covered 12,490 nautical miles and had carried 2,777 passengers, figures which were to be greatly surpassed in his next assignment.
Troopships had been reclassified according to capacity during Schrantz's voyages to North Africa. As a full colonel, Schrantz drew an assignment to the Motor Ship John Ericsson, the former Swedish-American liner Kungsholm, which had been bought by the government and renamed for the inventor of the Monitor of American Civil War fame. The ship had berth space for 5,50l passengers. Between 1943 and the war's end Schrantz made twenty‑five round‑trip voyages on the John Ericsson from New York to Oran, Casablanca, and Mers‑EI‑Kebir, North Africa; Capetown, South Africa; Glasgow, Scotland; Liverpool and London, England; Naples, Italy, and Palermo, Sicily; and Cherbourg, LeHavre and Marseilles, France. Schrantz's charges included American, Australian, British, and Puerto Rican troops, army nurses and Red Cross personnel, survivors of ships which had been torpedoed, and German and Italian prisoners‑of‑war. Schrantz also made one voyage as deputy transport commander aboard the Queen Mary. Despite constant danger from enemy submarines and aircraft, Schrantz never lost a ship and lost only two passengers, due to shipboard accidents.
Upon his retirement in 1950, Schrantz returned to Carthage and took a position with the Carthage Press, where he wrote features and editorials, and served as resident historian. In this latter capacity, Schrantz wrote hundreds of articles dealing with the history of Carthage, Jasper County, and southwestern Missouri. At the time of his death in 1958, Schrantz was one of the most respected citizens of Carthage and Jasper County's premier local historian.
Funeral services were under the direction of Ulmer Funeral Home He was a veteran of World War 1 and II
Ward Loren Schrantz was a newpaper editorial writer for the Carthage Evening Press Newspaper From the late 1940's until the time of his death in 1958 he had a regular weekly article that highlighted the happening around Carthage prior to and just after the turn of the 1900's. His work is still referred to for factual information to this day.
His wife was Miss Delphia Hoover Schrantz
He was the son of Henry Schrantz and Kate Ream Schrantz Monnett
According to his Missouri Death Certificate he was pronounced dead on arrival at McCune-Brooks Hospital of unknown natural causes after being rushed there from his home at 125 West Centennial.
The death certificate can be viewed at Missouri Digital Archives/death certificates online website.
*•★*•~*~★*~*~•★*•*
CARTHAGE EVENING PRESS
July 5, 1958
DIES SUDDENLY
Col. Ward L. Schrantz, editorial writer on the PRESS, and veteran of World Wars I and II and on the Mexican border, dropped dead about 1 o'clock Thursday afternoon at the corner of Lyon and Fourth.
The sudden death of one of Carthage's foremost citizens stunned the community. Death apparently was due to a heart attack.
George W. Matthews, Carthage route 4, saw Schrantz collapse and notified the sheriff's office. That department immediately notified Ulmers. An ambulance was summoned and rushed Colonel Schrantz to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead by a physician.
So far as members of his family were aware he had not suffered from a heart ailment and Mrs. Schrantz said he remarked Thursday morning as he left for the PRESS office he was feeling fine and was in good spirits.
Born in Ohio
Colonel Schrantz left THE PRESS shortly after noon Thursday and had lunch at the Blue Lantern, joining friends who happened to be there for the noon day meal. The PRESS published at noon in order that the staff could get away early for the Fourth of July holiday.
Where he was headed when he dropped dead, of course, is unknown. some surmised he may have felt ill and was on his way to his doctor's office. Others thought that he was bound for the War museum in Memorial Hall, in which he was vitally interested and which he, more than any other person, had given time and energy in developing.
Colonel Schrantz was born November 13, 1890 in Stark county, Ohio, and when he was a small child his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Schrantz came to Carthage. His father died January 30, 1893; his mother on July 20, 1924.
Ward Schrantz began his newspaper work as a carrier on the Carthage Democrat, then located at Third and Howard. Cornelius Roach, later to become secretary of state and a banker in Kansas City, was the editor at that time. Mr. Roach died a number of years ago. Mrs. Roach still lives in Kansas City.
Wrote Press Editorials
Later he transferred to The PRESS as a carrier. He rose to circulation manager then became office manager. But his chief interest was writing and he contributed articles along with his other duties, these mainly of a historical nature. He was interested in history and was an authority on the subject so far as southwest Missouri was concerned.
Following his return from world War II, he rejoined The PRESS as editorial and feature writer. Between times he wrote feature articles, mostly dealing with historical events of particular interest to this region. He was keenly interested in city affairs and it was he who covered the meetings of the city council and kept Carthage citizens fully acquainted with the proceedings of that all-important body.
He was always interested in the army. In that field, as in the newspaper world, his talents quickly showed themselves and he rose to the rank of colonel and received many military honors.
Long Military Service
Early in life he joined the National Guard. Then came a time when he quit civilian life to do a hitch in the regular army. Upon expiration of his enlistment he returned to The PRESS and again united with Company A, Carthage unit of the Missouri National Guard. Eventually he was elected to the post of captain and it was as captain that he led Company A into the trouble zone along the Mexican border in 1916 and into World War I in April 1917. The first stop was at Camp Doniphan, Lawton, Oklahoma for training. Then eventually to France and the battles of 1918, which led to the collapse of Germany and surrender on November 11, 1918.
On February 23, 1918 Captain Schrantz and Miss Delphia Hoover were married at Lawton, Oklahoma. This was three weeks before he was sent overseas as one of an advance detachment.
By war's end he was a major in command of a battalion. His unit fought in the Meuse-Argonne offensive where the Kaiser's once vaunted armies were crushed and led to Germany's raising the white flag of surrender. He returned to the states in may 1919 and two weeks later was released from duty at Fort Riley, Kansas.
With that war over Ward returned to The PRESS and was with The PRESS until the United States was catapulted into World War II by Japan's sneak attack at Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941.
He had remained in the active reserves and by that time he had been elevated to the rank of colonel.
Colonel Schrantz was recalled to service in August 1942 to serve as a troop transport commander and as such he supervised troop activities on ocean bound movements aboard the great liners to the European and African war zones and continued in that capacity until the war's end.
Highest Missouri Award
War over, he again resumed civil life in January 1946, returning to The PRESS and assuming the editorial chair and his writing career. He was a tireless worker. It was difficult to say which he loved more - writing or military life. He was a keen student of both professions and his ability as a military tactician was lauded by military leaders. He was vice president of The PRESS board of directors. Colonel Schrantz was presented Missouri's highest military award, the state meritorious military medal by the then Gov. Forrest Donnell in June 1946 for his distinguished military service. At that time he was a reserve colonel. The medal formally was pinned on Colonel Schrantz at ceremonies here by Gen. John A. Harris, then adjutant general of Missouri.
His other military decorations include the European, African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign ribbon, Bronze Star, Victory Medal, American Theater Campaign Ribbon and the Silver Star for gallantry in action in World War I.
After World War II Colonel Schrantz assisted with the organization of the 5436th Station Complement, Army Organized Reserve unit here, and served as its commander until November 8, 1950 when he had reached retirement age of 60.
Served Community Well
Carthage was mindful of Colonel Schrantz' services to his community and the nation and on December 16, 1950 paid tribute to him at a luncheon at the Drake Hotel. Brig. Gen. Marcus A. Bell, a former Carthaginian and school boy friend of the Carthage officer, was speaker on that occasion, General Bell, now retired, lives in Columbus, Georgia.
Colonel Schrantz was presented a pen and ink set on that occasion, the presentation being made by J. L. 'Si' Morgan, then president of the Chamber of Commerce.
While retired, Colonel Schrantz never lost his interest in the military. He followed developments with the keenest interest and did a stint as civil defense director for several years. He was appointed in 1950 to that post.
His interest in local history led him to write a book, "Jasper County in the Civil War." This book found a ready sale and the last copies were sold several years ago.
His knowledge of Carthage and district history led to many speaking engagements and children - from the grades through high school - frequently came to him for information to be used in their studies. They always found him ready and eager to assist.
Was a Councilman
Colonel Schrantz had served for years as a member of Memorial Hall board, later changed to Municipal Buildings board when the Civic Center was taken over. He was a member of that body at the time of death. He also served a term as city councilman.
Colonel Schrantz long had taken an active part in the First Presbyterian church and served for many years as an elder. He was the teacher of the Fifty-Fifty Sunday School class at the time of his death.
Ward always was ready to serve in any capacity in which he felt he could be of service.
Surviving Colonel Schrantz are his wife; two daughters, Mrs. B. H. Sellers, the former Miss Dorothy Schrantz of Savannah, GA., and Miss Jeanne Schrantz, with the advertising department of Coats & Clark, Inc., New York City; two sisters, Mrs. Rachel McKamey and Mrs. W. C. Bakhus, the latter the forer Katie Schrantz, both of Tacoma, Washington; a brother, Harold Schrantz of Minco, OK.; two grandchildren, Patty and Ward Schrantz Sellers of Savannah.
A sister, Mrs. Lotta Schrantz Hooper, passed away in Tacoma, Washington. A brother also died in Texas.
*•★*•~*~★*~*~•★*•*
The military service of a resident of Carthage, Jasper County, Missouri, who served in the Missouri National Guard and the U.S. Army before World War I. He was a captain of a machine gun battalion in Europe, 1917‑1919, a reserve officer, 1920‑1942, and a U.S. Army troopship commander during World War II.
Ward Schrantz wrote in his memoirs that, kindly or otherwise, nature had bestowed upon him an innate interest in military subjects. His interest was also stimulated by stories he heard told by Civil War and Spanish‑American War veterans in his home town of Carthage, Missouri. Schrantz enlisted in Co. A, 2nd Missouri National Guard, at Carthage in 1909. It was the beginning of a career which lasted, with a few exceptions, until his mandatory retirement in 1950.
Schrantz left the National Guard in 1912 and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He received recruit training at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis before assignment to the 22nd U.S. Infantry at Fort Bliss, Texas. He spent the next two years in garrisons at Galveston and Texas City, Texas, watching over the troubled border with Mexico. There was plenty of tension, but no action, and Schrantz purchased his discharge from the army in 1914. He returned to Missouri to accept a position with the Carthage Press. He also reenlisted in the 2nd Missouri National Guard, with rank as sergeant. Schrantz was in Texas again in 1916, this time with the 2nd Missouri, which had been federalized by congressional declaration in connection with disturbances on the border with Mexico. The Missouri outfit spent six months in Texas before demobilization in January 1917.
Schrantz was elected captain of Co. A, 2nd Missouri National Guard, in April 1917, a few months before its federalization for European service in World War I. The guard trained at Camp Doniphan, Oklahoma, where it was reorganized as Co. A of the new 128th Machine Gun Battalion, part of the 35th U.S. Infantry Division. Schrantz left for Europe in April 1918 as a member of an advance party of the army. His unit joined him in May, receiving orientation and training with British forces before moving into the lines. Schrantz and his gunners received their first experience in the trenches in the Vosges Mountains sector of the Alsace region. In reserve during the St. Mihiel offensive, the unit first came under fire in the Argonne Forest, where it sustained several casualties and suffered two deaths. Schrantz was cited for gallantry in the campaign. The battalion was posted in a quiet sector of the front until the armistice. Schrantz was promoted to major of the 130th Machine Gun Battalion in April 1919, but commanded only briefly before returning for discharge at Camp Funston, Kansas, in May 1919.
Schrantz returned to his former occupation with the Carthage Press. He was unconnected with any military organization from May to October 1919, the longest period of separation with some component of the army from 1909 to his retirement. It was also his last period of separation. He applied for and was granted the rank of major in the Officers Reserve Corps in October 1919. During the 1920's and 1930's, Schrantz was assigned to various reserve units, including the 54th and 408th Infantry regiments, and the 54th, 89th, and 102nd Infantry divisions, and administered Citizens' Military Training Camp programs at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, Fort Crook, Nebraska, and Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He also attended General Staff School and War College courses at Washington, D.C., and was involved in mobilization exercises at Omaha, Nebraska, and Fort Lewis, Washington. During his time in the reserve, Schrantz received promotions to lieutenant colonel and colonel.
At the onset of World War II, Schrantz hoped to obtain active command of an infantry regiment. However, his age and reserve status ruled out such a position under War Department policies. When called to active service in August 1942, he was assigned to the Army Port Authority at Boston. Instead of the stateside service which he feared, Schrantz was assigned as an Army troop ship commander. He was sent to New Orleans and the troopship Evangeline in September 1942.
Troopship commanders were placed aboard every transport vessel. They were in absolute command of loading and unloading of passengers and, in fact, everything which did not pertain to actual operation of the ship. While prosaic, the duty was not without danger during the worst of the German submarine operations in the Atlantic. Schrantz's first voyage was to the army training bases in Cuba and Panama. Then followed voyages between Algeria and New York City. By February 1943, Schrantz had covered 12,490 nautical miles and had carried 2,777 passengers, figures which were to be greatly surpassed in his next assignment.
Troopships had been reclassified according to capacity during Schrantz's voyages to North Africa. As a full colonel, Schrantz drew an assignment to the Motor Ship John Ericsson, the former Swedish-American liner Kungsholm, which had been bought by the government and renamed for the inventor of the Monitor of American Civil War fame. The ship had berth space for 5,50l passengers. Between 1943 and the war's end Schrantz made twenty‑five round‑trip voyages on the John Ericsson from New York to Oran, Casablanca, and Mers‑EI‑Kebir, North Africa; Capetown, South Africa; Glasgow, Scotland; Liverpool and London, England; Naples, Italy, and Palermo, Sicily; and Cherbourg, LeHavre and Marseilles, France. Schrantz's charges included American, Australian, British, and Puerto Rican troops, army nurses and Red Cross personnel, survivors of ships which had been torpedoed, and German and Italian prisoners‑of‑war. Schrantz also made one voyage as deputy transport commander aboard the Queen Mary. Despite constant danger from enemy submarines and aircraft, Schrantz never lost a ship and lost only two passengers, due to shipboard accidents.
Upon his retirement in 1950, Schrantz returned to Carthage and took a position with the Carthage Press, where he wrote features and editorials, and served as resident historian. In this latter capacity, Schrantz wrote hundreds of articles dealing with the history of Carthage, Jasper County, and southwestern Missouri. At the time of his death in 1958, Schrantz was one of the most respected citizens of Carthage and Jasper County's premier local historian.
Funeral services were under the direction of Ulmer Funeral Home He was a veteran of World War 1 and II
His wife was Miss Delphia Hoover Schrantz
He was the son of Henry Schrantz and Kate Ream Schrantz Monnett
According to his Missouri Death Certificate he was pronounced dead on arrival at McCune-Brooks Hospital of unknown natural causes after being rushed there from his home at 125 West Centennial.
The death certificate can be viewed at Missouri Digital Archives/death certificates online website.
*•★*•~*~★*~*~•★*•*
CARTHAGE EVENING PRESS
July 5, 1958
DIES SUDDENLY
Col. Ward L. Schrantz, editorial writer on the PRESS, and veteran of World Wars I and II and on the Mexican border, dropped dead about 1 o'clock Thursday afternoon at the corner of Lyon and Fourth.
The sudden death of one of Carthage's foremost citizens stunned the community. Death apparently was due to a heart attack.
George W. Matthews, Carthage route 4, saw Schrantz collapse and notified the sheriff's office. That department immediately notified Ulmers. An ambulance was summoned and rushed Colonel Schrantz to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead by a physician.
So far as members of his family were aware he had not suffered from a heart ailment and Mrs. Schrantz said he remarked Thursday morning as he left for the PRESS office he was feeling fine and was in good spirits.
Born in Ohio
Colonel Schrantz left THE PRESS shortly after noon Thursday and had lunch at the Blue Lantern, joining friends who happened to be there for the noon day meal. The PRESS published at noon in order that the staff could get away early for the Fourth of July holiday.
Where he was headed when he dropped dead, of course, is unknown. some surmised he may have felt ill and was on his way to his doctor's office. Others thought that he was bound for the War museum in Memorial Hall, in which he was vitally interested and which he, more than any other person, had given time and energy in developing.
Colonel Schrantz was born November 13, 1890 in Stark county, Ohio, and when he was a small child his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Schrantz came to Carthage. His father died January 30, 1893; his mother on July 20, 1924.
Ward Schrantz began his newspaper work as a carrier on the Carthage Democrat, then located at Third and Howard. Cornelius Roach, later to become secretary of state and a banker in Kansas City, was the editor at that time. Mr. Roach died a number of years ago. Mrs. Roach still lives in Kansas City.
Wrote Press Editorials
Later he transferred to The PRESS as a carrier. He rose to circulation manager then became office manager. But his chief interest was writing and he contributed articles along with his other duties, these mainly of a historical nature. He was interested in history and was an authority on the subject so far as southwest Missouri was concerned.
Following his return from world War II, he rejoined The PRESS as editorial and feature writer. Between times he wrote feature articles, mostly dealing with historical events of particular interest to this region. He was keenly interested in city affairs and it was he who covered the meetings of the city council and kept Carthage citizens fully acquainted with the proceedings of that all-important body.
He was always interested in the army. In that field, as in the newspaper world, his talents quickly showed themselves and he rose to the rank of colonel and received many military honors.
Long Military Service
Early in life he joined the National Guard. Then came a time when he quit civilian life to do a hitch in the regular army. Upon expiration of his enlistment he returned to The PRESS and again united with Company A, Carthage unit of the Missouri National Guard. Eventually he was elected to the post of captain and it was as captain that he led Company A into the trouble zone along the Mexican border in 1916 and into World War I in April 1917. The first stop was at Camp Doniphan, Lawton, Oklahoma for training. Then eventually to France and the battles of 1918, which led to the collapse of Germany and surrender on November 11, 1918.
On February 23, 1918 Captain Schrantz and Miss Delphia Hoover were married at Lawton, Oklahoma. This was three weeks before he was sent overseas as one of an advance detachment.
By war's end he was a major in command of a battalion. His unit fought in the Meuse-Argonne offensive where the Kaiser's once vaunted armies were crushed and led to Germany's raising the white flag of surrender. He returned to the states in may 1919 and two weeks later was released from duty at Fort Riley, Kansas.
With that war over Ward returned to The PRESS and was with The PRESS until the United States was catapulted into World War II by Japan's sneak attack at Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941.
He had remained in the active reserves and by that time he had been elevated to the rank of colonel.
Colonel Schrantz was recalled to service in August 1942 to serve as a troop transport commander and as such he supervised troop activities on ocean bound movements aboard the great liners to the European and African war zones and continued in that capacity until the war's end.
Highest Missouri Award
War over, he again resumed civil life in January 1946, returning to The PRESS and assuming the editorial chair and his writing career. He was a tireless worker. It was difficult to say which he loved more - writing or military life. He was a keen student of both professions and his ability as a military tactician was lauded by military leaders. He was vice president of The PRESS board of directors. Colonel Schrantz was presented Missouri's highest military award, the state meritorious military medal by the then Gov. Forrest Donnell in June 1946 for his distinguished military service. At that time he was a reserve colonel. The medal formally was pinned on Colonel Schrantz at ceremonies here by Gen. John A. Harris, then adjutant general of Missouri.
His other military decorations include the European, African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign ribbon, Bronze Star, Victory Medal, American Theater Campaign Ribbon and the Silver Star for gallantry in action in World War I.
After World War II Colonel Schrantz assisted with the organization of the 5436th Station Complement, Army Organized Reserve unit here, and served as its commander until November 8, 1950 when he had reached retirement age of 60.
Served Community Well
Carthage was mindful of Colonel Schrantz' services to his community and the nation and on December 16, 1950 paid tribute to him at a luncheon at the Drake Hotel. Brig. Gen. Marcus A. Bell, a former Carthaginian and school boy friend of the Carthage officer, was speaker on that occasion, General Bell, now retired, lives in Columbus, Georgia.
Colonel Schrantz was presented a pen and ink set on that occasion, the presentation being made by J. L. 'Si' Morgan, then president of the Chamber of Commerce.
While retired, Colonel Schrantz never lost his interest in the military. He followed developments with the keenest interest and did a stint as civil defense director for several years. He was appointed in 1950 to that post.
His interest in local history led him to write a book, "Jasper County in the Civil War." This book found a ready sale and the last copies were sold several years ago.
His knowledge of Carthage and district history led to many speaking engagements and children - from the grades through high school - frequently came to him for information to be used in their studies. They always found him ready and eager to assist.
Was a Councilman
Colonel Schrantz had served for years as a member of Memorial Hall board, later changed to Municipal Buildings board when the Civic Center was taken over. He was a member of that body at the time of death. He also served a term as city councilman.
Colonel Schrantz long had taken an active part in the First Presbyterian church and served for many years as an elder. He was the teacher of the Fifty-Fifty Sunday School class at the time of his death.
Ward always was ready to serve in any capacity in which he felt he could be of service.
Surviving Colonel Schrantz are his wife; two daughters, Mrs. B. H. Sellers, the former Miss Dorothy Schrantz of Savannah, GA., and Miss Jeanne Schrantz, with the advertising department of Coats & Clark, Inc., New York City; two sisters, Mrs. Rachel McKamey and Mrs. W. C. Bakhus, the latter the forer Katie Schrantz, both of Tacoma, Washington; a brother, Harold Schrantz of Minco, OK.; two grandchildren, Patty and Ward Schrantz Sellers of Savannah.
A sister, Mrs. Lotta Schrantz Hooper, passed away in Tacoma, Washington. A brother also died in Texas.
*•★*•~*~★*~*~•★*•*
The military service of a resident of Carthage, Jasper County, Missouri, who served in the Missouri National Guard and the U.S. Army before World War I. He was a captain of a machine gun battalion in Europe, 1917‑1919, a reserve officer, 1920‑1942, and a U.S. Army troopship commander during World War II.
Ward Schrantz wrote in his memoirs that, kindly or otherwise, nature had bestowed upon him an innate interest in military subjects. His interest was also stimulated by stories he heard told by Civil War and Spanish‑American War veterans in his home town of Carthage, Missouri. Schrantz enlisted in Co. A, 2nd Missouri National Guard, at Carthage in 1909. It was the beginning of a career which lasted, with a few exceptions, until his mandatory retirement in 1950.
Schrantz left the National Guard in 1912 and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He received recruit training at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis before assignment to the 22nd U.S. Infantry at Fort Bliss, Texas. He spent the next two years in garrisons at Galveston and Texas City, Texas, watching over the troubled border with Mexico. There was plenty of tension, but no action, and Schrantz purchased his discharge from the army in 1914. He returned to Missouri to accept a position with the Carthage Press. He also reenlisted in the 2nd Missouri National Guard, with rank as sergeant. Schrantz was in Texas again in 1916, this time with the 2nd Missouri, which had been federalized by congressional declaration in connection with disturbances on the border with Mexico. The Missouri outfit spent six months in Texas before demobilization in January 1917.
Schrantz was elected captain of Co. A, 2nd Missouri National Guard, in April 1917, a few months before its federalization for European service in World War I. The guard trained at Camp Doniphan, Oklahoma, where it was reorganized as Co. A of the new 128th Machine Gun Battalion, part of the 35th U.S. Infantry Division. Schrantz left for Europe in April 1918 as a member of an advance party of the army. His unit joined him in May, receiving orientation and training with British forces before moving into the lines. Schrantz and his gunners received their first experience in the trenches in the Vosges Mountains sector of the Alsace region. In reserve during the St. Mihiel offensive, the unit first came under fire in the Argonne Forest, where it sustained several casualties and suffered two deaths. Schrantz was cited for gallantry in the campaign. The battalion was posted in a quiet sector of the front until the armistice. Schrantz was promoted to major of the 130th Machine Gun Battalion in April 1919, but commanded only briefly before returning for discharge at Camp Funston, Kansas, in May 1919.
Schrantz returned to his former occupation with the Carthage Press. He was unconnected with any military organization from May to October 1919, the longest period of separation with some component of the army from 1909 to his retirement. It was also his last period of separation. He applied for and was granted the rank of major in the Officers Reserve Corps in October 1919. During the 1920's and 1930's, Schrantz was assigned to various reserve units, including the 54th and 408th Infantry regiments, and the 54th, 89th, and 102nd Infantry divisions, and administered Citizens' Military Training Camp programs at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, Fort Crook, Nebraska, and Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He also attended General Staff School and War College courses at Washington, D.C., and was involved in mobilization exercises at Omaha, Nebraska, and Fort Lewis, Washington. During his time in the reserve, Schrantz received promotions to lieutenant colonel and colonel.
At the onset of World War II, Schrantz hoped to obtain active command of an infantry regiment. However, his age and reserve status ruled out such a position under War Department policies. When called to active service in August 1942, he was assigned to the Army Port Authority at Boston. Instead of the stateside service which he feared, Schrantz was assigned as an Army troop ship commander. He was sent to New Orleans and the troopship Evangeline in September 1942.
Troopship commanders were placed aboard every transport vessel. They were in absolute command of loading and unloading of passengers and, in fact, everything which did not pertain to actual operation of the ship. While prosaic, the duty was not without danger during the worst of the German submarine operations in the Atlantic. Schrantz's first voyage was to the army training bases in Cuba and Panama. Then followed voyages between Algeria and New York City. By February 1943, Schrantz had covered 12,490 nautical miles and had carried 2,777 passengers, figures which were to be greatly surpassed in his next assignment.
Troopships had been reclassified according to capacity during Schrantz's voyages to North Africa. As a full colonel, Schrantz drew an assignment to the Motor Ship John Ericsson, the former Swedish-American liner Kungsholm, which had been bought by the government and renamed for the inventor of the Monitor of American Civil War fame. The ship had berth space for 5,50l passengers. Between 1943 and the war's end Schrantz made twenty‑five round‑trip voyages on the John Ericsson from New York to Oran, Casablanca, and Mers‑EI‑Kebir, North Africa; Capetown, South Africa; Glasgow, Scotland; Liverpool and London, England; Naples, Italy, and Palermo, Sicily; and Cherbourg, LeHavre and Marseilles, France. Schrantz's charges included American, Australian, British, and Puerto Rican troops, army nurses and Red Cross personnel, survivors of ships which had been torpedoed, and German and Italian prisoners‑of‑war. Schrantz also made one voyage as deputy transport commander aboard the Queen Mary. Despite constant danger from enemy submarines and aircraft, Schrantz never lost a ship and lost only two passengers, due to shipboard accidents.
Upon his retirement in 1950, Schrantz returned to Carthage and took a position with the Carthage Press, where he wrote features and editorials, and served as resident historian. In this latter capacity, Schrantz wrote hundreds of articles dealing with the history of Carthage, Jasper County, and southwestern Missouri. At the time of his death in 1958, Schrantz was one of the most respected citizens of Carthage and Jasper County's premier local historian.
Funeral services were under the direction of Ulmer Funeral Home He was a veteran of World War 1 and II
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