Donald F. Swartz, 88, passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2013. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, Francis and Margaret Swartz; the love of his life for 27 years, his wife, Isobel; and a younger brother, Neil Swartz.
Donald is survived by his daughter, Virginia "Jill" Rutter and husband Richard; granddaughters, Shannon Culp and Megan Fair; great-grandchildren, Colin Culp, Ava Conners and Kaylee Fair; his youngest brother, Doug Swartz; along with numerous other loving family and friends.
He was born on January 19, 1925, in Lorain, Ohio, to Francis J. and Margaret Swartz. He served in the United States Navy during World War II in the South Pacific as a pharmacist's mate. He attended Notre Dame and the University of Colorado, graduating with a BS in Business. During his life, he was a minor league baseball player (pitcher), receiving a contract with the Chicago Cubs. However, his favorite teams were the New York Yankees and, of course, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. He was a realtor in commercial real estate, working for Red Adair, Coldwell Banker and John Daugherty Realty.
In his final years, Don enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially his 'buddies', Pam and Stacie, and his 'coffee mates' , Paul and Glenn.
Visitation will take place at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77079, on Friday, September 20, 2013, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, September 21, 2013, at 12:00 noon at St. John VIanney Catholic Church, 625 Nottingham Oak Trail, Houston, Texas 77079. Interment will follow at Memorial Oaks Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the CLL Global Research Foundation (www.cllglobal.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
April 26, 2014
JEAN CARNES
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
April 24, 2014
Caj
This Candle will burn brightly and know that Don is an angel watching over us.
God Bless Jill, Shannon and Megan...
He is in my prayers.
April 23, 2014
Jean Carnes
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
October 19, 2013
Juanita Weingartner
The Angels are rejoicing! Heaven has claimed one of its own, and those of us who knew Don are left behind to mourn the loss of a deeply compassionate and genuinely caring friend. I am eternally grateful that I knew such a wonderful human being. I loved your stories, dear friend. There were stories of love, happiness, success as well as stories of heartbreak and pain and in spite of it all you stayed strong, you kept the faith. You were active in so many volunteer organizations and a blessing to so many. We will truly miss you. Until we meet again, dear friend, until we meet again. Juanita Weingartner
October 19, 2013
Juanita Weingartner
The Angels are rejoicing! Heaven has claimed one of its own, and those of us who knew Don are left behind to mourn the loss of a deeply compassionate and genuinely caring friend. I am eternally grateful that I knew such a wonderful human being. I loved your stories, dear friend. There were stories of love, happiness, success as well as stories of heartbreak and pain and in spite of it all you stayed strong, you kept the faith. You were active in so many volunteer organizations and a blessing to so many. We will truly miss you. Until we meet again, dear friend, until we meet again. Juanita Weingartner
September 22, 2013
Tami Culp
Jill--I am so blessed to have known your parents. Your dad was such a delight. You and your family will continue to be in my prayers. When I say my prayers tonight I will thank you Don for the life you gave Jill and for the special person you were here on earth. "Job well done thy faithful servant" .....until we meet again....
September 20, 2013
Our Caring Thoughts, Prayers and Deepest Sympathy are extended to The Donald Swartz Family. Although, sadly had not visited with Don for some time, I did have the privllege & pleasure of working along side Don for several years at The Red Adair Company and for sure we could exchange many "wild-well fire stories" of our time together there. Don was truly a tremendous individual and we will remember him forever.Don until we again meet in Heaven Rest in peace & God Bless! Ken & Mary Faye McCall
September 20, 2013
Carole Pitts
Don, I am so very lucky to have known you and to have worked with you. Your bright smile and quick wit were a delight and never failed to make me laugh, even when you were nagging me to stop smoking which you have no idea how much I appreciate! I will miss you and know that heaven is a brighter place now because of you.
September 20, 2013
Sara Waguespack
I thoroughly enjoyed working with you at John Daugherty Realtors. You always had the coffee made every morning no matter how early I arrived. Many times you took us out for lunch. I loved listening to your stories of your mother and your baseball career days. You will be missed by many. My you rest in peace, my friend, with Our Lord.
September 19, 2013
Mary Sanderson
Don, I will miss you so very much. You were always ready and willing to help someone that was in need no matter how bad you felt. Your compassion knew no boundries. I enjoyed our times at John Daugherty with you. After you retired, getting that phone call from you when you were out of address labels and needed me to print you some more, deliver them to you and maybe do lunch or dinner. God bless you.
September 18, 2013
Steve Culp
Don, I'll never forget the time that you gave us a ride from Austin to Houston in Red Adair's red "Hellfighters" Cadillac complete with the signs of the burning oil wells on the doors. Like the car, I will always remember your style and your smile.
Rest easy and in peace forever.
September 16, 2013
Shannon Conners
"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going." John 14:1-4
Papa,
I miss you so very much. It will be difficult to get back the piece of my heart that you have taken with you. It gives me great comfort knowing that you and Grandma are at peace together smiling down on us. I will miss our Saturday morning talks about the kids, weather, plans for the weekend, and football; that was my favorite part of the day.I love you so very much and have been so blessed to call you my grandfather.
September 16, 2013
Refugio (Buck) Hernandez
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