Charles Joseph Swize

Charles Joseph Swize (CJ), an exceptional husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed peacefully on December 21, surrounded by loved ones in the comfort of his home. He was a generous and encouraging friend, a cherished and helpful neighbor, and a devout Catholic man.

 CJ was born April 14, 1932, to Charlie and Martha (Bludau) Swize in Hobson, Texas. He grew up in the Arnold community, where his parents grew cotton, flax and raised cows, hogs & chickens. He joined the Navy in 1951 during the Korean Conflict, serving as a radioman on the USS Zelema stationed on Guam. Discharged in 1955, CJ returned home to work in the oil fields until an injury sidelined him. His hometown doctor encouraged him to use the GI Bill to go to college. A friend at San Antonio College convinced him to transfer to Texas A&M. At the same time, CJ started dating Caroline Krawietz from Falls City. They married in 1958 and moved to College Station, living in married student housing — repurposed World War II barracks nicknamed “Pregnant Hill.” Their first child, Martha, was born in 1959. With Carol’s support, CJ did well in school and graduated in 1960 with a degree in Geology & Geophysics.He took a job with Texaco as an Exploration Geophysicist, and the family moved to Houston, where Patrick was born in 1960 and Robert in 1964.

Having grown up on a farm CJ used to say he wasn’t sure how to raise kids in the city, but he knew how to raise them on a farm. So in 1967, the family moved to property near Brookshire and started fixing up the old 1940s farmhouse. The young family planted fruit trees, a garden and rebuilt fences. William was born in 1968 and Michael in 1969. CJ loved farming – growing hay for his cattle and tending the garden. In 1983 CJ, Carol and the kids planted a pecan orchard that became one of his greatest joys. He worked hard to improve the soil, and those trees produced many good pecan crops. They also grew sweet corn and each year hosted a “corn pull” so his city co‑workers could enjoy a bit of farm life. The corn pull featured BBQ, potluck dishes, cold beer and watermelon followed by volleyball, horseshoes and the ever-popular dried cow patty frisbee-throwing contest. He was most content driving his tractor, sometimes plowing fields well after dark. His other passion was geology -whether it was rock collecting, studying seismic maps, inspecting company drill sites, or inspiring school children. In fact, one of the Gulf of Mexico’s most successful production discoveries, Bolivar Field, began as an interesting anomaly on a random seismic map he picked to show an 8th grade class. He had a long and outstanding 50+ year career in the Oil and Gas Exploration industry. From Texaco, he went on to Houston Oil and Minerals, Plains Resources, Benton Resources and Ayco Energy. He was a long time member of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists.

CJ and Carol were also active in their community. They volunteered with the local ambulance service. CJ served as president of the Advisory Board at Royal HS FFA and as president of the Royal ISD school board. CJ will be remembered as a kind and generous man who loved God, his family, and the land he worked. A faithful Catholic man, he demonstrated the corporal and spiritual works of mercy in his day-to-day life and encounters with others. For many years he attended daily Mass in downtown Houston before going to the office. He served Sacred Heart Catholic Church for many years as a lector, Bazaar volunteer and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

CJ was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Martha; his sister Betty Gene Pawelek and her husband, Johnny; his brother, David Swize; his sister-in-law Patricia Krawietz, brother-in-law Dennis Krawietz and sister-in-law Joan Krawietz, granddaughter Cara Jessica Swize; and special friends Frank Fishbeck, Richard Holdeman, Rhe Halbison and Jack Pool.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Carol; his children, Martha (David) Finkelstein, Patrick, Robert (Sharon), William (Kim), and Michael. Grandchildren: Ethan Swize, Alexandrea Swize, Tatum (Liam) O’Kennedy, Carolyn Swize, Emmie (Maverick) Wilhite, Teddie Swize, Casey Swize, Justin Swize, James Finkelstein, & John Finkelstein. Great-grandchildren: Kit William and Poppy O’Kennedy and Freya and Viggo Wilhite.

He is also survived by his sister Helen Jo Pawelek and husband Fabian and many nieces and nephews. 

Thanks to dear friend George Molina who brought Communion and kept the pecan crop picked. Additional thanks to John & Irene Williford, Gordon & Judy Gallagher, Ronnie & Donna Melton, Bill & Liz Matthews, Randy & Lisa Bludau, Carolyn Grimet, Piggy Gassner & 9G Remodeling for their friendship, support, and home-cooked meals. Thanks to the Thursday Supper Club for the good times and great company.

The family would like to thank Ben Matthews for helping care for the farm and for helping restore Charlie's childhood tractor - the 1946 Farmall. Special thanks for the exceptional care provided by Ruth Chavez, Christian Delmundo, and Tix Rasolofo with Angels Over Us and to the hospice nurses with Vantage Hospice.

Friends who wish may make memorial gifts to:

Knights of Columbus

c/o Sacred Heart Catholic Church

P.O. Box 300

Pattison, Texas 77466

              or

Royal FFA Livestock Show  Board

P.O. Box 347

Pattison, Texas 77466