Charles was born on December 3, 1942 in Fort Smith, AR to Frank and Geneva (Phillips) Swilling. At 17, he was saved and baptized at Zion MBC of Roland, OK. On April 22, 1962, he answered God’s call to service in the ministry.
Charles attended Texas Baptist Institute and Seminary (TBI) in Henderson, TX where he met his future wife, Jerry. After a long courtship of two months, they were married on February 15, 1963 and remained devoted to each other for 53 years until her passing in 2016.
Charles graduated from TBI with a Master of Theology degree on May 5, 1967. He later earned a Doctor of Theology degree on June 2, 1978 while teaching English, Old Testament Introduction, Greek, and Homiletics at TBI.
He continued to serve faithfully for 57+ years during which he pastored at 8 churches throughout his ministry. He was Director of Sounding Out the Word Ministries for 17.5 years. A monthly publication which was distributed in 68 countries including U.S. and translated in as many languages. He authored 238 books about God’s word.
His family and friends will remember his always welcoming, infectious smile and a deep love for God and his family. While Charles took his ministry, faith and love of the Lord seriously, he could not resist a good laugh. He thoroughly enjoyed fellowship, a good game of 42, volleyball, or a game of horse shoes with church members and friends. He loved his “eatin meetins”.
Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Jerry, his parents, Frank and Geneva, and two siblings. He is survived by his son, Clay Swilling and wife Brandi; his daughter, Charis Hansen and husband Henrik; blessed with 7 grandchildren Austin Hargis, Jordan High, Cody Hargis, Kacie Swilling, Dakotah Parker, Niklas Hansen, and C.J. Swilling; further blessed with a great-grandchild, Liam Hargis; his sister, Frankie Sue Shipman; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends and family too numerous to list yet not forgotten.
Visitation will be held at Cashner Funeral Home in Conroe, Texas on Friday, February 14, 2020 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Funeral service for Charles Irven Swilling will be held at the Cashner Colonial Chapel on Saturday, February 15, 2020, at 10:00am with interment following at Garden Park Cemetery.
