Fritz J.R. Swarthout

Fritz J.R. Swarthout, of Conroe, Texas, was the youngest child of 5; born October 8, 1954, to Jack R and Velma Marie (Rowell) Swarthout, in Owosso, Michigan.
Fritz grew up on a small farm, affectionately named Lazy Acres, on a dead-end road in Owosso, MI, where they had lots of animals through the years: horses, Shetland ponies, turkeys, cows & pigs. In his early years he attended a one-room schoolhouse, Merrill School, until it was eventually closed, and he was bussed to Bryant Elementary in town, and graduated from Owosso High in 1973. His family attended worship at Burton Corners Methodist Church. Fritz enjoyed lots of sports growing up: wrestling, football, baseball, and he won the golden gloves in high school. As in any traditional farm upbringing, his father taught him responsibility: how to drive a tractor, baling and loading hay into the barn, cleaning out stalls and other animal husbandry, and proper vehicle maintenance and repairs. Working hard means you play just as hard, he and his siblings enjoyed playing in the hayloft and climbing apple trees on the farm, roller and ice skating, birthday bonfires, getting into trouble in great-grandma Duant's kitchen, and what kind little brother would he be if he didn't enjoy torturing his older siblings on occasion. The family took vacations-a-plenty: Gaylord, Holland Lake, Mackinac Island, Texas to visit family, and Padre Island.
Later, as an adult, he attained an associate degree from Lone Star College in business finance. Fritz spent most of his career in mechanic work of one kind or another. He had lots of hobbies and enjoyed some of what life had to offer during his earthly time: western movies, 70's rock, shooting, fishing, dirt biking, riding his Harley Davidson, tinkering with electronics or anything with a motor, collecting: coins, Harley pocket watches, knives, tools, and firearms. He enjoyed shooting in the backyard with his son, Fritz. Teaching his son-in-law, Chris, how to smoke a brisket the right way. He loved eating good food & enjoyed any reason to party! He had a good sense of humor and was a joker to the very end; using his last burst of energy to quickly sit himself up and yell, "Boo!", scaring his two sisters half to death and chuckling out loud in satisfaction, less than 36 hrs before God called him home.
Fritz was called to his everlasting, heavenly home at the age of 68 on Thursday, 12:55am, August 17, 2023, in a familiar and comforting place, the home of his eldest daughter, Deona, and surrounded in love by his children, their families, and his siblings; after an extended battle with cancer and the complications it brings.
At the gates of his heavenly home, he had family to greet him: his older brother Barry, mom, dad, grandparents, and other beloved family. He is survived by one brother, Doug (Vicki) Swarthout of Watsonville, CA. Two sisters Deborah Crumpton and Sue Whipple of Owosso, MI. One stepsister, Heather (Dan) Inman of Owosso, MI. Four children: Deona (Chris) Atkins, Naomi Moore, Fritz (Kara) Swarthout, all of Conroe, TX, and Tori (Jason) Irizarry of Cedar Creek, TX. Nine grandchildren: Jordan Mauldin, Cody Lawrence, Hailey Moore, Tanner Moore, Hayden Atkins, Bryce Swarthout, Corbyn Swarthout, Julian Irizarry, and Masyn Swarthout. Four great-grandchildren, and multiple nieces and nephews.
Life will not have quite the same spark without Fritz's big smile, warm eyes, and sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by family and friends alike. In Fritz's last days inhabiting his earthly body, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and savior, so his loved ones have reason to rejoice for a heavenly reunion. He was a child of God, cleverly disguised as a son, brother, father, uncle, and cousin.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorial donations are to be made wherever God leads your heart to place them; to the family or a cancer charity of choice in his memory.
Memorial services are being held at McNutt Funeral Home, Conroe, TX on Friday, September 1, 2023 at 10am with an additional memorial to be held in Owosso, MI sometime next year.