Donnie D. Swartzlander

He was born May 6, 1942 in Central City, Illinois, son of Margie (Wazelle) Swartzlander and Frank J. Swartzlander.

Donnie was a welder with the Maintenance Away Department of the Illinois Central Railroad for 28 years, retiring in 1992. In 2010, Donnie and Phyllis moved from Central City to Bryan, Texas to be close to their children and grandchildren. Donnie enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and could often be found attending their sporting and theater events. He was an avid outdoorsman who was passionate about hunting and fishing and was a member of the Central City First Baptist Church. 

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Darlene Nelson, and his brothers, Richard and Raymond Swartzlander.

Donnie married Phyllis Ann Brinkmeyer on August 17, 1963 and she survives him. He is also survived by his daughters, Gwen Engel of Bryan, Texas, Gayle Groves and husband Jason of Perth, Australia; his son Dean Swartzlander and wife Tina of Bryan, Texas; his grandchildren, Brooke Madkins and husband Darian and Lynsey Engel of Bryan, Texas, Crockett, Elissa, and Sophia Groves of Perth, Australia, and Regan and Lauren Swartzlander of Bryan, Texas; great grandchildren D.J. and Amara Madkins of Bryan, Texas; and several nieces and nephews.