Frank L. Swaim

Frank was a gracious, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He is predeceased by his first wife, Juanita Fowler Swaim, serving as her gentle caregiver until her death at age 72. He is survived by their two sons, Darryl Brooks Swaim of Kansas City, Missouri, and Steven Allan Swaim (Jebby) of Parker Colorado, and his treasured granddaughter, Jennifer Chandra Swaim of Atlanta, Georgia.

Frank entered the work force at an early age. During his high school years, he worked as a messenger and later a telegrapher for the Western Union Telegraph Company. After graduating from high school at the age of 17, he joined the United States Navy in 1932. Frank served his Country for eight years. During his military career, he was a radio operator on cruisers for three years, before enrolling in flight school in Pensacola, Florida. After graduating first in his class, he served as a Naval Aviator from 1936 to 1940, and then as an Army Aviator from 1941 to 1942.

As a civilian, Frank graduated from the Boeing School of Aeronautics and began his career as a commercial pilot with United Airlines. He was based in Chicago, Denver, and later in Los Angeles as Flying Captain aboard Boeing 747s on Pacific routes. Frank retired from United Airlines in 1975 after 35 years with an excellent safety record.

A man of many talents, Frank had a true love of life and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. From 1968 to 1972, he served as Deputy Sheriff of Douglas County, Colorado and as a Commander for the Rocky Mountain Civil Air Patrol from 1968 to 1978. Frank earned a black belt in Taekwondo with an instructor rating in 1985, as well as several graduate degrees in Biblical Studies, securing his divinity degree in 1987. In 2011, Frank was inducted into the Colorado Aviation Historical Society Hall of Fame.

Frank’s passion for God’s Word led him to work as a tour guide in the Holy Land. This event altered his life’s course in many ways. His knowledge of the Holy Land afforded him opportunities to share his faith with many tourists. And it was during this journey that he met his second wife, Evelyn Blakey. They were married in 1987 and spent 25 happy years together. They were active members of Shades Crest Baptist Church where Frank led Sunday School and sang in the choir.

Frank is survived by his wife, Evelyn, her daughters Pat Trachy (Harry) of Gulf Breeze, Florida, and Kathy Halbrooks (Tom) of Roswell, Georgia, as well as her son, Ralph Patterson (Jeanie) of Birmingham, Alabama, and her six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Evelyn’s children wish to express their sincere gratitude for Frank’s loving devotion as a true member of our family. His encouragement and guidance has been invaluable. We will always cherish the wonderful life he created with his beloved Evelyn.

Many heartfelt thanks go to the Always There caregivers and the hospice staff who attended to Frank’s every need during his last weeks with us. Also a deep appreciation goes to all of Frank’s friends, church members and Brookdale residents who have expressed support through prayers and messages. God bless you all.

The family will welcome friends at Elmwood Funeral Home on Sunday, June 24th from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. The service will begin at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to King’s Home, Jimmie Hale Mission or any worthy charity in Frank’s memory. Online condolences maybe offered at www.ridoutsvalleychapel.com