Herman Earl Swart

Herman Earl Swart, (94), beloved husband, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed from this life March 12, 2018 in Palestine, Tx. Better known as “Earl”, the long-time Leon County resident was a rancher, as well as, active in various community organizations.

Earl is survived by Rachel Anderson Swart, his wife of 69 years; his brother, Walter Swart. His legacy includes 3 sons: Bruce (and Karen) Swart of Palestine; Kent (and Ping) Swart of Mont Belvieu; Ret. Col. Brent (and Chris) Swart of Lacey Springs, Ala.

His treasure was his family, especially Rachel, who was always at his side in sickness and health. Besides his wife and sons, he loved his grandchildren: Amanda, Jennifer and Courtney Swart; Kristina (and Lindsay) Swart-Cathey; Christopher (and Lynsey) Swart; Cameron (and Lillian) Swart; and Jie Lu (Swart). Earl adored his 4 great-grandsons; Braydon, Kelby, Knox, Foster, as well as the two babies expected this spring.

Earl was especially proud of his German ancestry and the U.S.A. He was born in Rocky, Oklahoma on Feb. 26, 1924 to Herman and Bessie Kleiner Swart, along with his twin brother, Mearl. The Swart family consisted of his parents and 2 girls, followed by 6 boys. Preceding Earl in death were; Georgia Owen, Gladys Cacey, Charles, (Earl’s twin) Mearl, Lewis, and Robert. He is survived by Walter (99), of New Cordell, Oklahoma.

Herman Swart, Earl’s father came from Germany to America by way of Ellis Island in the late 1890’s and eventually settled in Rocky, Oklahoma. He loved and supported all things American and shared this with his children. All six boys, including Earl, served in the Pacific during WW II, and all returned safely from the war.

Earl has continued to participate in local activities. He was a 66 year member of the Masonic Lodge and the Great Temple of the Scottish Rite in Guthrie, Oklahoma. In addition, he served as the Commander of the Jewett VFW, and belonged to the American Legion. He was also a life-long Republican.

Before moving to Leon County, Earl and Rachel made homes first in Rocky, then in Tucson, Arizona. In Rocky, he served as School Board President. He farmed, but spent the majority of his working life as a Master Mechanic for the Air Force in Oklahoma and Arizona, where he received numerous awards for excellence. When the Swarts retired to Leon County, Earl, Rachel and Arleigh McAtee began building their lovely home south of Centerville, where they continue to raise cattle.

Other important survivors include: sister-in-law, Estelle McAtee; niece, Judy (and Michael) Thomason; sister-in-law, Shirley (and Herman) Teinert, all of Oakwood. From Oklahoma, sister-in-law, Lawana (Lewis) Swart and Florene (Walter) Swart, and a host of nieces and nephews from around the state.

Earl was loved by all. We will miss his political insight, joking, flirting and warm hugs. He has left a void on this Earth, but is reunited with long-lost family and friends in Heaven. We celebrate his long, productive life.

Funeral services for Earl will be held Saturday, March 17, 2018, at 2 P.M. in the Walters Funeral Home Chapel in Centerville, Texas. Graveside services will take place in the Lone Star Cemetery in Washita County, Oklahoma at 11 A.M., Monday, March 19, 2018. A visitation will be held from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M., Friday, March 16th at Walters Funeral Home.

Pallbearers: Christopher Swart, Cameron Swart, Lanny Sells, Gary Swart, Herman Teinert, Walter Swart, Joe Swart, Phil Swart & Pete Swart.

Walters Funeral Home in Centerville, Texas is entrusted with final arrangements.