Joe Bailey Swanner was born on July 16, 1924. He died peacefully on his 94th birthday. Orphaned at a young age, he grew up at the Buckner Baptist Children’s Home in Dallas. At Buckner he learned the value of hard work, service, and devotion to friends and family.
After high school, he joined the Merchant Marines during World War II, graduated from King’s Point, U.S. Merchant Marines Academy, and served during the War.
Service to his country completed, he attended Howard Payne University where he excelled. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, was elected Student Body President, and was Captain of the track team. His presence was felt all over campus while he was a student and afterward when he served on the Howard Payne University Board of Directors.
Joe Swanner’s personality and persistence eventually led him to Washington D.C. where he worked in the Johnson Administration as a “front man,” preparing the way for President Johnson as he traveled in the United States and abroad. He also worked in the office of O.C. Fisher. For a time he was an administrator in the Small Business Administration.
He was then appointed to the Economic Development Administration as the Regional Director for five states: Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Arkansas. The Regional office was in Austin. He worked tirelessly to increase the economic opportunities in these states because he cared deeply about the growth and prosperity of “working families.”
He enjoyed the company of many Washington and Texas political legends including Tip O’Neal, Jim Wright, Ralph Yarborough, and Preston Smith, Governor of Texas.
He married Doris Day on June 14, 1987. He attended River Bend Church.
Family and friends remember him as an avid sports fan; he was especially loyal to the Baylor Bears, the Texas Rangers, and the Houston Texans.
He is preceded in death by his daughter Reverend Rhoda Montgomery, DD. He is survived by his wife, Doris Swanner, his daughter, Risa Swanner Pajestka and her husband, Frank; his son and daughter-in-law Joseph Brooks and Darla Swanner, and his son-in-law Rob Montgomery. His stepsons are Jimmy Day and wife Jennifer and Joe Day. His grandchildren are Victoria Zajicek and her husband Brad, Cyril Pajestka, Rebecca and Christina Swanner, and Meagan, Dakota and Carson Day. His great grand-daughter is Bethany Risa Zajicek.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 19, 2018 at Cook Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Blvd, Austin, Texas 78752.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 20, 2018 in Greenleaf Cemetery in Brownwood, Texas.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Joe's honor to Buckner Baptist Children's Home in Dallas; Howard Payne University, River Bend Church, or the charity of your choice.
To share condolences with the family, please visit www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.
