Merrill Cornelius Swanson

Merrill Cornelius Swanson

Merrill Cornelius (M.C.) Swanson was born on December 6, 1937 in El Campo, Texas to Merrill Sydney (M.S.) Swanson and Ellen Estelle Ellwood Swanson. He died on March 13, 2026 at the age of 88. He was a third-generation landowner in Wharton County, rice farmer and cattleman with interests in Wharton and Goliad Counties.

 Merrill was born and reared in El Campo, graduating from El Campo High School, Class of 1956. His childhood was a “Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn” youth; he and his band of close friends made their own fun and embarked on many adventures together. He was active in Boy Scouts and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and was a member of the Order of the Arrow. He obtained a B.S. in Entomology from Texas Tech University and an M.S. in Entomology from Louisiana State University. M.C. graduated Cum Laude from both universities and was a member of Alpha Zeta. In Graduate School, his thesis was on the economic threshold for controlling the rice field stinkbug, and much of his research is still used today.

 Shortly after graduation from LSU, Merrill married Rebecca Elizabeth (Becky) Nilson of El Campo on July 7, 1962; they were married close to 64 years. Their love story lasted for 70 years including dating, engagement and marriage. Merrill proudly served in the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of Captain.

 In their early years, he worked as an Entomologist for Royal Dutch Shell Agricultural Chemical Company, which led he and Becky to live in New Orleans and later at the U.S. Headquarters in New York City. His trade territory for Shell was the Rio Grande Valley of Texas and the Mississippi Delta, which encompassed Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi. In 1965, he and Becky returned to El Campo, where his heart always was, and partnered with his father in the rice farming and cattle business. He was truly born a “man of the land” and believed that rice was the most beautiful crop to grow from planting through harvest.

 M.C. was a true scholar and consummate gentleman. He was a devoted family man, hardworking, honest, and possessed a great sense of playful humor. He was compassionate and proud of his deep Swedish heritage. Deer hunting, quail hunting with bird dogs, and searching for arrowheads were his favorite pastimes. His love of animals, both large and small was very evident. He was a man of faith and a lifetime member of First Methodist Church of El Campo, Texas. Merrill was the epitome of a good son, husband, father and friend. Merrill served on the Rice Farmers Coop Board of Directors for many years, including the role of president. He also served on the ODHS (Garden of Memories) Cemetery Board. Merrill is a past honoree and recipient of the Rice Farmer of the Year Award in Wharton County.

 Mr. Swanson is survived by Rebecca N. Swanson and sons Merrill E. Swanson (Elizabeth) and William D. Swanson, grandchildren Cecelia S. Mays (Daniel), Elizabeth Caroline S. Dowdy (Jared) and Merrill Travis Swanson and great-grandson Charles S. Mays. He was preceded in death by his parents Merrill S. and Ellen E. Swanson and daughter-in-law, Sarahjane D. Swanson. 

A funeral service will be held at First Methodist Church of El Campo, 1001 Ave. I, El Campo, Tx 77437, on Friday, March 20th, 2026 at 11:00 AM officiated by Pastor Richard Slaughter. Interment will follow at Garden of Memories. Pallbearers are M. Travis Swanson, Frank R. Wilson, Russell N. Wilson, Russell D. Smith, John H. Nilson, II, and William V. Hill, III. Honorary pallbearers are Edward Smith, William V. Hill, II, Cornelius E. Hill, Johnny S. Poole, John H. Nilson, and Thomas E. Nilson. Donations or memorials may be made to the First Methodist Church of El Campo or a charity of choice.