- Date Of Birth: November 5, 1920
- Date Of Death: October 1, 2007
- State: Arizona
Fred L. Swagerty, 86 died Oct. 1, 2007 in Flagstaff, Arizona. He was surrounded by his family. Fred was born Nov. 5, 1920 in Las Vegas, New Mexico to Verda and Fred Swagerty. When Fred was 2 years old, the family moved to Slaton Texas. He graduated from Slaton High School and then went to Dallas Mortuary College. He then went back to Slaton where he married the love of his life, Helen Johnson. He worked as a Funeral Director and also worked on the Santa Fe Railroad out of Slaton.
Fred was active in the Texas National Guard. He was discharged shortly before WW II. He then enlisted in the Army where he spent 2 ½ years in the European Campaign mainly in Germany, France and Italy. While in the military, he earned 5 Bronze Stars and numerous military citations. After WW II, he went home to be with his wife. He accepted a position with the railroad in Gallup, New Mexico for about 1 year and then they moved to Winslow. Not only did Fred work for the railroad for 48 years before retiring, he continued to work as a Funeral Director and Mortician from 1940 until just a short time ago.
Fred is survived by his two children, his son Colby (Sharon) Swagerty of Southlake, Texas and daughter Cinda (Leroy) Sawyer of Flagstaff, 7 Grand Children and 5 Great Grand Children, his brother Floyd of Charleston, S.C. Fred was preceded in death by his loving wife Helen, his parents and brother Frank.
Known as “Oldie Pop” to his Great-Grand Children, Fred devoted much of his time going to their music programs, soccer, basketball and football games. He would even travel to Cottonwood to attend Grandparents Day at school and to Texas for his Grandson’s Eagle Scout Award. Fred also traveled and attended all of the Grand Children’s High School and College graduations.
Fred loved football and working in his yard. He also enjoyed being involved in social activities. He was very active in the VFW, and served two terms as Post Commander of the VFW in Winslow, he was the Arizona State VFW Commander and National Vice Commander. Fred was an active member of the Masonic Lodge for many years and was a Past Master in Winslow. He was a member of the Scottish Right and Eastern Star. He also served on the Winslow Humane Society Board of Directors for several years. In 1991, Fred received the Texas State Funeral Director of the Year Award.
He will be greatly missed by all who got to know him as the fun loving and caring person he really was.
