Herman Earl Swart, beloved husband, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed from this life at the age of 94 on March 12, 2018 in Palestine, Texas. 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 his wife of 69 years, Rachel Anderson Swart and his brother, Walter Swart. Other important survivors include, sister-in-law, Estelle McAtee, niece, Judy and husband Michael Thomason, sister-in-law, Shirley and husband Herman Teinert, all of Oakwood, sister-in-law, Lawana (Lewis) Swart and Florene (Walter) Swart, from Oklahoma, and a host of nieces and nephews from around the state. His legacy includes three sons, Bruce and wife Karen Swart of Palestine, Kent and his wife Ping Swart of Mont Belvieu, Ret. Col. Brent and his wife Chris Swart of Lacey Springs, Alaska. 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 four 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 February 26, 1924 to Herman and Bessie Kleiner Swart, along with his twin brother, Mearl. The Swart family consisted of his parents and two girls, followed by six 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 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 lifelong 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. 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 were held Saturday, March 17, 2018, at 2 P.M. in the Walters Funeral Home Chapel in Centerville, Texas. Graveside services took place in the Lone Star Cemetery in Washita County, Oklahoma at 11 a.m., Monday, March 19, 2018. Pallbearers were Christopher Swart, Cameron Swart, Lanny Sells, Gary Swart, Herman Teinert, Walter Swart, Joe Swart, Phil Swart & Pete Swart.