Richard J. Swartz
October 28, 2015
Richard J. Swartz, I., of Des Moines, passed away on Wednesday, October 28, 2015. Richard was born on July 22, 1929 to Ray and Anna Swartz. He was a lifelong resident of Des Moines.
Richard married his wife of 65 years, Clara Long on July 28, 1950. He was a veteran of the Korean War and retired from Stone Container after 53 years of loyal service. He enjoyed fishing and working in his yard. He was always working on his lawn mowers and in his garden.
Richard is survived by his loving wife, Clara; daughters, Betty (Gail) Lundy and Cindy Bird; daughter in-law, Nellie Swartz; seven grandchildren: sixteen great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; sister, Nora Miller; foster son, Sam (Mary) Allison; and many other loving family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his son, Richard, II; his parents, Ray & Anna; sisters, Clara, Hester, Dorothy, Helen and Betty; and brothers, Robert, Clarence and James.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2015 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street in Des Moines. A Celebration of Life Service is planned for the spring of 2016.
Memorials may be directed to Richard’s family.
On-line condolences may be expressed at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Karol Easter
10/31/2015
My Heart & Prayers go out to you Aunt Clara, Cindy, Betty & Nellie. Uncle Dick was such a wonderful person & will be greatly missed by all. Love everyone of you
Dennis
10/30/2015
Aunt Clara,Betty & Cindy,
I could think of a thousand things to say about what our family has seen and been through. But it's times like these that we reflect on the love that we have for our family and the reality of how short this life is. Uncle Dick was a very special person to a host of people. God's love for us is everlasting and without measure.
Love you all
Loretta Easter Marsh
10/30/2015
So sorry. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Misty Bird
10/30/2015
I'm truly sorry for the loss of grandpa swartz.. even though I've only known him a 7 years he's touched my heart and life in ways that are hard to explain. Ill always remember he's smile and how hard he worked to keep he's yard looking good. The way he played and talked to my boys. How he loved them and all their craziness.. grandpa I will miss you and love you forever