Lester "Skip" Samuel Swanson

Lester "Skip" Samuel Swanson Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and believer in Jesus Christ, passed away on January 21, 2025, at the age of 77 in a rehabilitation and healthcare home in Belton, Texas, due to complications following a fall.

A graveside service with military honors will be held on February 10th at 10:00 a.m. at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas.

Born on March 17, 1947, in Dallas, Texas, to Lester Samuel Swanson Sr. and Marjorie Sue Smith Swanson, Skip's active life can be epitomized by Newton's Second Law: "an object in motion remains in motion at a constant speed and in a straight line unless acted on by an unbalanced force." His early years were shaped by the love and guidance of his mother, Sue Swanson; his Grandma Potsie; the rules of baseball; and the Baptist church. After graduating from Kimball High School in Oak Cliff, he played baseball at Kilgore College in East Texas, where he was scouted by the St. Louis Cardinals. An injury redirected his path, leading him to Braniff International Airlines, where he met and married his cherished wife, Maureen Lorraine Brown, on February 28, 1969, at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Carrollton, Texas.

Shortly after, Skip answered the draft to serve his country during the Vietnam War, joining the U.S. Army on April 26, 1969. Skip’s athleticism flourished in the military, earning him a rare perfect score in the U.S. Army's PCPT at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Following his honorable discharge, Skip earned a Bachelor of Science degree and embarked on a career as a Technology Systems Management Administrator, where his curiosity and passion for innovation shone. Companies such as Braniff, Great Western Sugar, and BancTec benefited from his creative energies.

As a third-generation Texan, Skip and Maureen raised their two children, Shannan and Clint, in Dallas, where they lived until 2005 before relocating to Central Texas. A man of faith, Skip found immense joy in serving the Lord as a member of First Baptist Church in Gatesville and as Chaplain for Boy Scouts of America Troop 201 in Gatesville, Texas. He also drove a church bus and assisted with Wednesday night children's services, often saying, "I like telling rambunctious little boys how Jesus helped me."

Skip’s love for life was reflected in his boundless interests and enthusiasm. He could talk to anyone about anything at any time. He loved baseball, Boy Scouts, the U.S. Army, and anything sweet. Known for his energy, he kept moving like the Energizer Bunny on the baseball diamond, around the house, or at Boy Scout campouts. Even after a spinal cord injury, a dear family friend remarked that his gift of gab remained intact during his physical therapy sessions. Skip’s love of learning and sharing knowledge continued until his last day, when he spoke about Chuck Norris's roundhouse kick technique, Kilgore, the Rangerettes, baseball, and a dear friend.

Skip is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 56 years, Maureen Lorraine Swanson; his daughter, Shannan Michelle Swanson-Bryan of Belton, Texas; his son, Samuel “Clint” Clinton Swanson of Chicago, Illinois; his sister, Linda Sue Swanson and her husband Rex Blue of Flower Mound, Texas; and his treasured grandchildren, David Granvill Bryan of College Station, Texas, and Emily Sue Bryan of Austin, Texas. He is also lovingly remembered by beautiful nieces, a nephew, grandnieces, and friends far and wide.

He is preceded in death by his parents, L.S. Swanson Sr. and M. Sue Swanson, and his sister, Elizabeth Jean Swanson.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Rangerette Scholarships to Donate in Skip's name, Click here. Just mark the dedication box, a reflection of Skip’s generous heart and commitment to education and athleticism.

May Skip’s legacy of faith, curiosity of learning, and service to others continue to inspire all who knew him and remind us of two things: Newton's 1st law of motion, "An object of rest stays at rest" and Psalm 73:26: "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Amen