Tony Swarts

Tony Swarts, 68, the much loved husband, father, grandfather and son-in-law, slipped quietly through the door seeking the path to his new life with the Heavenly Father and family and friends that traveled the path before him, on December 26, 2013 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, IA.

Tony, son of Charles and Lillith (Smith) Swarts was born September 15, 1945. The family lived in Ottumwa, IA. Tony attended Ottumwa Public Schools K-12, graduating in 1963. He attended NEMO College in Kirksville, MO for 3 years and then enlisted in the US Air Force serving as an Intelligence Specialist during Vietnam from 1966-1970. He later resumed his college career at William Penn in Oskaloosa, IA. Over the years, Tony worked for Casey’s, Apco Oil, ran a family bookstore, The Unique Shop in Indianola from 1979 to 89, and then moved to Ottumwa to rehabilitate houses for rental and resale until moving to West Des Moines in 2009.

Tony was very talented and enjoyed church activities, singing in the choir, wood working, and spending time with family and friends – especially his grandchildren. He was known for his kind and fair heart, his smile and his great sense of humor which helped him through his last 15 years of numerous health issues. He was always in pain but would never show it. If he called you a friend he would go to the ends of the earth for you. He was very generous with time.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Vicki; daughter, Tiffany and her husband, Brent Cooper; his beloved grandchildren, Nathan and Haley Cooper; his mother-in-law, Ruby Allen; aunt, Lois Evans; and a host of cousins and extended family members. Tony was preceded in death by his parents; and father-in-law, Bob Allen.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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