WT Swanzy

W T Swanzy Jr., a longtime Keller resident, peacefully moved to heaven Tuesday, May 20, 2014. He was just three days shy of his 90th birthday. He will be greatly missed. Celebration of life: A celebration of W T's life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church of Keller, where he ministered for decades as a deacon. Interment: Mount Olivet Cemetery in Fort Worth. Visitation: The family will receive friends at 1 p.m. Friday. W T was born in Fort Worth on May 23, 1924, and was the youngest son of Woody and Lora Swanzy. He served our country in World War II as a Navy Seabee. When he returned from his duty, he met and married the one true love of his life, Charlene Cooper. They began their lives together in River Oaks and in 1956 moved their family to Keller. As a young man, W T raised and raced pigeons, coached Little League and taught Sunday school. Later he became an avid fisherman. After retiring from Bell Helicopter, he and Charlene spent a few special years living on Lake Fork and fishing until their hearts were content. As his years progressed, he became an avid fan of the Texas Rangers, rarely missing a game. The family wishes to thank the loving staff of Whitley Place who went above and beyond in their care for W T. Your devotion to our "Papa" was comforting in ways you may never know. We also thank the staff of Gentiva Hospice for their care for W T and our family during his last days. Thank you. W T was preceded in death by Charlene in 2012; a son, Russell Gene; a grandson, Joshua Bowden; and a great-granddaughter, Hannah Riley. His family rejoices in the knowledge that they are together with Christ at last. Although we will surely miss him, we are comforted by the Scripture, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Psalms 116:15 Survivors: Left behind to carry on are his children, Charnell Walker and her husband, Charlie, of Weatherford, W T Swanzy III and his wife, Judy, of Keller and Cindy Bowden and her husband, Clay, of Decatur; a special nephew he raised as his own, Joe Cooper of Corpus Christi; eight grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. Lucas Funeral Home - Keller 817-753-6800 To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of WT Swanzy please visit our Sympathy Store.