Steven "Steve" Joel Swanson

Steven Joel Swanson, age 73, passed away at his home in Houston, Texas on March 22, 2022. Steve was born on January 15, 1949, in Avon, Illinois to parents Theodore Gale Swanson and Harriet Luan Swanson. Steve was a beloved Husband, Brother, Uncle, and Friend who always had a thirst for knowledge and a desire to understand how things work.

At an early age, Steve became the guy who would take things apart to see how they worked and try to repair anything that was broken. Once, he rescued a squirrel the family cat had maimed. Steve took it to his place in the basement with all of his chemistry sets and proceeded to put the stomach back in and sew it up. The family took it to their local vet that gave it a shot of antibiotics. Unfortunately, the squirrel didn't survive. It was a great effort, but that was the end of Steve's medical career. However, it did not end his caring for living things. Steve enjoyed plants, animals and people.

Steve always strived in school to achieve his best. He graduated from Purdue University as student of the year and ultimately earned his PhD in Chemical Engineering from the university. Steve remained a loyal and dedicated Boilermaker for the rest of his life. One of his joys was serving as a mentor to Purdue’s graduating Chemical Engineering students.

While at Purdue, Steve worked during his summers for Shell at different locations in the United States. After leaving Purdue, Steve became a full time Shell employee. Steve’s expertise and leadership was widely recognized within Shell. He remained with the company for 34 years making numerous contributions and even more life time friends.

Steve and his wife Frances, the love of his life for the past 42 years, enjoyed many vacations to locations around the world. Along with being a certified diver, he also had a pilot license. He would rent a plane and fly to visit his brother and family in Florida. Needless to say, Steve excelled in everything he did.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents. Steve leaves behind the love of his life, Frances, a brother, Tim (Cindy); nieces Christine Swanson Smith (Ben) and their son Aiden; Amanda Swanson Tyson (David) and their two children Abigail and Olivia; and grandniece, Hannah. Steve was the Godfather of Tim and Cindy's son, Nicholas, deceased, who was Hannah's father. Also surviving is Steve's Chihuahua companion, Buddy.

Steve had a great group of close friends: that have surrounded him with love and support over the years. Special thanks to Mark, Carl, Tony, Mike and Nancy for your support, love, and sacrifices. Steve will be missed by all the people he knew throughout the years, especially his family that loved him dearly.

Pallbearers will be Art Renfro, Mark Davis, Tony Darst, Mike Mensik, Luke Davis, and Steve Renfro.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at Waltrip Funeral Directors. A service celebrating Steve will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 7, 2022, in the RL Waltrip Venue, Waltrip Funeral Directors, 1415 Campbell Rd., Houston, TX 77055. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Garden of Memories, 1011 Antoine Dr., Houston TX 77055

In lieu of usual remembrances, flowers can be sent to the funeral home or donations made to Purdue University in Steve's name. Giving to Purdue https://connect.purdue.edu/s/givenow?dids=068861&appealcode=18747