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William Swatos Obituary
William H. Swatos, Jr.
September 25, 1946-November 9, 2020
William H. Swatos, Jr. 74, passed away while being treated for COVID-19 complications at CGH Medical Center, Sterling, IL on November 9, 2020.
A native of West Milford, NJ, he graduated from Transylvania University in Lexington, KY, and the University of Kentucky. He graduated from the Episcopal Theological Seminary in Lexington and was ordained a priest while serving at the Church of the Transfiguration in Lawrenceburg, KY. He served at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Silvis, IL from 1980-1993. He was a resident at the Windsor Manor memory care center in Morrison, IL where he contacted the virus following an outbreak at the facility.
His academic career included teaching sociology at King College (Bristol, TN), Augustana College (Rock Island, IL), and Baylor University (Waco, TX). As a Fulbright Scholar in 1981, he travelled to Iceland to teach and study Icelandic religion. He was a noted author/editor of over 20 textbooks exploring topics in the sociology of religion. He served as Executive Officer of the Association for the Sociology of Religion from 1997-2012, and as Managing Editor of the Interdisciplinary Journal of Research on Religion at Baylor University.
He is survived by sons Eric (Elizabeth) Swatos and Giles Swatos and grandchildren Arthur, Lillian, Claire, and Stephen.
There will be no services at this time. Cremation rites have been accorded.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Alzheimer's Association, https://www.alz.org/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Swatos
6 Entries
Karen Cisler
December 15, 2024
He officiated at my baptism, confirmation, and wedding to Larry Withers Moore. I am still an Episcopalian at heart, and rememer his efforts at priesting in Lawrenceburg, KY fondly. Rest in peace, Fr Bill.
André Sleiman
November 14, 2020
Very saddened to learn about the passing of my first academic mentor, Bill Swatos. Beyond fieldwork methods, you taught me humility and kindness in teamwork, more than any other supervisor. You helped me complete my first peer-reviewed book chapter (although you didn't have to). Your feedback was immediate and exactly right, whenever I reached out to you to solve a fieldwork question. The 24-year old, penniless, and insecure student in me has remained forever grateful and will never forget the hours and days spent with you in Paris, Lourdes, San Francisco, and Atlanta. You gave me hope and many new things to aspire for. Farewell, teacher! May you and Joanne Rest In Peace
Steve Merriman
November 13, 2020
Bill was a great Fraternity Brother of mine. He was a wonderful person, smart and dedicated. This a total shock. All the best to Bill's family and friends; it is so sad to hear of his passing.
Giles Light
November 13, 2020
So very saddened to learn of Bill's passing. He was my fraternity Little Brother as a member of Delta Sgima Phi Fraternity at Transylvania University. Althoiugh I was the Best Man at his wedding, we had lost regular contact over these past many years. Nevertheless, I did try and learn from his friends and fraternity brothers any news they might have had on him. He was a true scholar and a man of many accomplishments. Rest in Peace My Brother.
Gary Bouma
November 12, 2020
I grieve your loss to us and pray that you will rest in peace and rise in glory. May light perpetual shine upon you.
Paul-André TURCOTTE
November 12, 2020
REQUIESCAT IN PACE.
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