Name: Kingwood Funeral Home
Address: Kingwood, TX

Today is Bob's birthday and I felt like sharing a few thoughts about our friendship. Although I knew Bob only a few years he was an important part of each and every day.  We spoke and or visted on a daily basis and discussed every topic imaginable.  Sometimes I wondered if our values and opinions were perfectly matched or if he was such a gentleman and great guy he chose not to disagree.  We were both avid Fox News and ESPN watchers and one of us would invarably jump on the phone and say "Did you see That?" I still feel the urge to reach for the phone and am saddened when I remember he is gone. Margie and I pray for Mary Ellen, Erin, and Tara as they continue to heal from their loss.

Mary Ellen, Erin & Tara I would like to express my deepest sympathy to each of you.  Bob & I were on the Tuesday A.M. shift at Northeast Hospital.  He was a dedicated volunteer with his smiling welcome and helpful attitude.  I know you will miss him very much and will keep your family in my prayers. Arlean W. Taylor. (Kingwood, TX)

I was sadden to hear about Bob's passing.  Bob had a way of listening to a person and making that person feel truly heard and never judged.  His compasionate nature and warming smile drew people to him and I am thankful to have know him.  Mary Ellen, we will keep you and the girls in our thoughts and prayers.  Kathy and Ron Davenport and Amy Womack

Mary Ellen, Tara, and Erin – We wish you strength, courage, and peace as you mourn the loss of your husband and father.  You all took great care of him and he loved you with all his heart.  

Many memories of Uncle Bob have been shared at our home this week. We will always think of him when we hear people talk about the Cincinnati Reds, Ohio State, or Ortho products.  (Major topics out here in the Midwest!) We remember how he called Mary Ellen his bride instead of his wife.  He introduced us to buckeye balls.  He had the best crow’s feet when he smiled – and what an eye-sparkling smile it was. He was a great host and a great guest.  For Bob, hospitality was a true gift.

One time when our sons were in their most sullen and quiet adolescent years – when we couldn’t get them to talk to us at all – we drove in a caravan to New York City with Bob, Mary Ellen and Tara.  We looked out the rear view mirror and there were Uncle Bob and Nick having an animated conversation that lasted for hours.  He could get anyone to open up – even a recalcitrant adolescent.  His gifts as a conversationalist are what we all remember the best.  Bob and Chris were pretty far apart on the religion and political spectrums – yet were able to have great, civil discussions and learn from each other’s ideas.  Our last conversation concerned Kathleen Sebelias and the concept of public funding for abortion – it doesn’t get much more divisive than that.  Yet, with Uncle Bob the discussion stayed on high ground.  Bob could talk about any issue to anyone.  If only our political leaders had his gift and patience for listening and civil discourse.  

Please know that we are pouring over old pictures, sharing stories and laughing and crying with you. Can’t wait to see you and hug you in April.
Chris, Cloyce, Casey, Nick and Robin Hedge

Dear Mary Ellen,

I am very saddened by Bob's passing and want to extend my heartfelt sympathy to you, Erin, and Tara.  I know your faith and memories will help sustain you.  The care and support you provided Bob is surely a testament to your love for him.

Although I didn't get to spend a lot of time with Bob, there are some things that stand out.  He really was a great brother-in-law.  When the brothers-in-law played basketball, we invariably picked on one another and played to win.  Bob played with an athlete's intensity and was quite good.  Yet he applauded the play of others and did not rub in the fact that- he usually won.  I suspect that is the way he lived.  Never reveling in small victories and always gracious.

Bob's sense of humor was infectious.  He laughed easily and loved to tell jokes and stories.  He was a lot of fun and it was a pleasure being around him.  He relished being a Buckeye with a Texas drawl and it had a certain charm.  

There is something even more important.  Bob was a classic   gentleman.  Call it old school, but he treated people with deference and seemed to go out of his way to extend kindnesses.  I saw this behavior time and again and admired him for it.  I'm sure his manners and politeness were welcomed by those fortunate enough to have been able to spend more time with him.  He was simply a good man.

Bob always, and I mean always, spoke lovingly and respectfully of "my girls."  Those girls were you, Erin, and Tara.  He loved you and wanted everyone to know it. That in and of itself is a legacy you should lovingly embrace and a memory I hope you will cherish.

Mary Ellen- I"m so sorry for your loss. Although I didn't meet Robert he appeared to be a great dad and partner.. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts during this life transition. Gary Martin, Jonesville, Vermont

Bob was one of my favorite clients, he was always so upbeat, kind and friendly.  When we would talk on the phone he would always ask me if I wanted a bologna sandwich.....never did get to share one with him!  I don't know how we got on the bologna topic but over the years we always had conversation about that sandwich!!  No matter how badly Bob would feel when he came into the office he always asked me "what can I do for you"?  He was such a sweet man and I will miss him terribly.
Mary Ellen, Tara and Erin you will be in my thoughts and prayer and please know how sorry I am for your loss.

Mary Ellen & Family

We were saddened to hear of the loss of your beloved Bob.  Bob was someone you could always feel comfortable around.  He was kind, caring, warm and so very friendly everytime we were around him.  We had some good times and cherish great memories especially from the RCIA days at St. Mary Magdalene's.

We send our deepest condolences and will keep you in our prayers as you adjust.  We know Bob is at peace and his spirit will live on in the things you enjoyed together on this earth.  Bob may be physically gone but the love you shared will never die.  May you find comfort and peace.

Love,
Johnny & Pat Scherer

I will always remember the twinkle in his eye & how he always gave you his full attention....and that buckeye necklace he wore so proudly on game days. What a special spirit he was! My deepest condoleneces & prayers to the entire family for your loss. I know with the strength in your faith you know he's gone to a better place, where he will always have a birdseye view of his beloved buckeyes on game days, & he can cheer to his heart's content without ever being winded.

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Dear Mary Ellen, Erin, and Tara:

My sincere condolences on the loss of a wonderful husband and dad; he cherished “his girls”.  I’m sorry I can’t attend the services but I sent my “beautiful bride” as Bob would refer to Barb, to give the comfort and support you need at this difficult time. He was a great brother in law as well.
  
I have very fond memories of Bob: shooting hoops at a family functions with the brother-n-laws; Bob diving for the loose balls like he was trying to make varsity. I had not seen him for several years so I had to rely on phone calls and his “Buckeye Central”  greeting. He loved to talk; I trusted his advice (except for politics) on lawn care, investments and sports. His beloved Buckeyes always found their way into the conversation. He had a strong work ethic that should be admired employer and employee alike.   

I always admired his low key, even keeled personality and humor. He showed a sincere and keen interest of the goings on of our children over the years. He was a special person and will be greatly missed. A real gentleman. 

“Across the Field" 

Fight the team across the field 
Show them Ohio's here, 
Set the earth reverberating 
With a mighty cheer, 
Rah! Rah! Rah! 
Hit them hard and see how they fall, 
Never let that team get the ball, 
Hail, hail, the gang's all here, 
So let's win that old conference now.


Bill Hogan

Bob was the best brother-in-law of the bunch.  He always made you feel like you were the only one in the room.  
Erin, Tara and Mary Ellen, we are so very sorry for your loss and wish there was more that we could do to ease your pain.
Love, Nora, Jonah and Carol

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mr. Bob was such a remarkable man, always happy, and such a gentle person. We will miss him!

Erin we have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.

Mary Ellen and daughters, please accept my deepest sympathy.  Bob is lovingly remembered for his kindness to me.  He was one of those people one meets and never forgets. I'm so sorry for your loss.

OBITUARY

Robert A. Swadley

16 January, 1942 – 15 March, 2010

Kingwood Funeral Home

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