Richard David Swetnam

Dr. Richard “Dick” David Swetnam, Age 81, resident of Trophy Club, TX and formerly of Sherman, Rockwall and Quitman TX, passed away on March 1, 2022. He was born on May 10, 1940, in Columbus, Ohio. Always a buckeye at heart, he called Texas home since moving here in ‘71

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Anita Swetnam, his children Dean Swetnam and wife, Tammy; and Deanne Curinier, husband Vincent; along with his six grandchildren, Cole, Alex, Liam, Stella, Emilie, and Samuel. He is also survived by his two sisters, Donna Pendergrass and Amy Swetnam.

Dick graduated from Ohio State University in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science in Education and Ohio University in 1971 where he received a Master of Education in Sports Administration. He received his doctorate in Education from Texas A&M Commerce in 1992 and was inducted into Phi Delta Kappa, a professional fraternity in Education.

Dick dedicated his life to the service of others through his chosen field of education. He began his career as a science teacher and basketball coach in Columbus, Ohio but upon continuing his education he had the opportunity to work for the Chicago Cubs as the Assistant Director of Player Personnel and Procurement from 1968-1971. Dick always put family first and when his bride suddenly took ill in ‘71, no exception was made for his professional career as he moved to Sherman, Texas and resumed teaching and coaching basketball. He coined the phrase “Basquetbol” due to his northern accent and subsequently led the team to its first ever district championship and was twice elected Coach of the Year. He continued his career coaching in Rockwall and there made the transition into school administration. He was instrumental in developing computerized records for tracking career ladder, incentive pay, planned facilities, and personnel staffing. He later moved to Quitman, Texas where he was superintendent of Quitman ISD. Here he was a pioneer in setting up one of the first networks in a school setting and received an award from Apple Computers. He also established an academic booster club and permanent school foundation. After Quitman, Dick became superintendent at White Settlement ISD. He also taught as an adjunct professor at Texas A&M Commerce. He finished his career as a consultant for the Texas Education Agency monitoring the newly formed chartered schools in the late 1990s.

Dick was a person who brought people together, whether it was through sports, education, or through the community and business. He was thoughtful, compassionate, and encouraging. He believed in finding whatever it was a person was good at and developing that talent. He mentored not only his students but also his fellow colleagues and staff. Dick had a profound impact on not only the towns in which he lived but more importantly on the people around him. He taught his team players how to learn from and overcome failure and to use the lessons learned from losing, making them into a positive experience. He was just as proud of a losing team as a winning one. Many of his players became successful businessmen and leaders in their communities. Dick once said, “When these kids look back on this, years from now, they’re not going to remember the losses. They’re going to remember that they were part of a team that worked hard and did its best.” His impact was such that in 2007 he was awarded the Distinguished Teacher from the Sherman Ex-Students Association for his outstanding service and commitment as a teacher in his community, church, and profession. Many of his students and colleagues have continued to keep in touch with him well after they finished school.

In respect of Dick’s wishes, a memorial service will not be held due to the pandemic. He did not want his friends and family to put themselves at unnecessary risk.

Memorial donations can be made in lieu of flowers to Creative Christian Women of Fellowship United Methodist Church, 101 Trophy Club Dr, Trophy Club, TX 76262.