Raymond Swan

Raymond “Bob” Swan passed away Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at the age of 88.
Bob was born November 15, 1929 in Holland, Texas to James Elihu, Sr. and Winne Marie (Nunnalee) Swan. His father was a mechanic while his mom took care of the home. Bob grew up in Temple during the Depression with his sister Alice and his brother J.E.. He spent a lot of time outside tagging along after his big brother J.E. and his twin cousins. He often told stories of their great adventures together. When he was a teenager, World War II broke out, and his brother J. E. served our country in the US Army. Bob wanted to join up as well, but he was too young. After graduating from Temple High School, he attended Texas A&M University, where he graduated with a history degree in 1952. By that time, the Korean Conflict was in full swing, and he was proud to fight with the US Army where he became a Special Agent in the C.I.C.. It was there that he developed special skills in photography. He served in the army from 1952 until 1954 and then returned to Texas A&M and received his master’s degree. He passed on his love of Texas A&M University to his daughter Ellen (class of ’87) and his grandson, Calvin, (class of 2019).
Bob always said he was so blessed to love and be loved by two Christian women in his lifetime. The first was his college sweetheart, Jane Scasta Swan. They were married for over 25 years and were blessed with two children together, Ellen and Stuart. Several years after Jane’s death, he married his second wife, Louise Larson Swan. They were married for ten years until her death. While his children were growing up, Bob was pursuing his professional photography degree. He took his family with him as he traveled across the US to many different schools. He was completely devoted to his family and spent as much time as possible with them. He loved gathering each Thanksgiving at the farm in Wheelock to spend time with his extended family and friends.
For 39 years, Bob taught at Sweeny High School. While he taught many different subjects over the years, he is most remembered for his award winning photography program. His positive teaching style influenced many people during his long career. He was always happy and saw the good in everyone. He liked watching people enjoy themselves, and people loved being around him. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed spending time outdoors on the boat fishing or hunting.
Bob was very proud to be part of the Masonic Lodge. He was a member since 1957, and during his 60 year membership he held many offices and earned many different levels, including the District Deputy Grand Master. In 2001 he earned the Golden Trowel for merit. One of his proudest moments was when his son Stuart followed in his footsteps and became a Mason. During the ceremony, as Master of the Lodge, Bob was able to put the degrees on his son.
Bob was an honorable man who was very compassionate and fun-loving. His zest for life is a legacy he leaves to his family and friends. He leaves behind his daughter and son-in-law Ellen and Rick Bryant, his son and daughter-in-law Stuart and Noel Swan, and his grandchildren Calvin Bryant, Reece Bryant, Ashton Bryant, Sean Bryant, Zachary Backus, William Swan, and James Swan.
To honor his life, there will be a memorial visitation held at the Swan residence in Lake Jackson on Sunday, December 10, 2017 from 2-5pm and a visitation held on Monday, December 11, 2017 from 5 to 7 PM at Hillier Funeral Home of Bryan. His funeral service will be Tuesday, December 12 at 10 AM at the Wheelock Cemetery Chapel, with burial to follow at Wheelock Cemetery.