PATRICK HENRY "HARRY" SWEARINGEN JR.

1924 - 2021

Harry passed away peacefully on June 14, 2021, after a brief but valiant struggle with cancer.

For all but the last few months of his 97 years, he enjoyed good health and mobility, always a notable fixture in the gym in his white button-down shirt and khakis. His mental clarity and brilliance never faltered. He died on his terms – in his home and after heartfelt goodbyes with family and friends.

Harry was born on May 17, 1924 in San Antonio, the only child of Patrick and Sidney ("Pansy") Lawhon Swearingen. He attended public schools, graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1941. His childhood was full of adventures, including long road-trips with his parents deep into interior Mexico. He vividly remembered the Depression, and never forgot the struggles people endured. His family, and their experiences together, very much shaped him – the origins of his humility.

In September 1941, Harry arrived by train at Princeton University as a member of the Class of 1945. December 7th was only months away. The events of that day were forever etched in his memory. Like most of his Princeton classmates, including his roommate and lifelong friend Jim Calvert, he put his plans on hold to serve his Country and defend the free world against the existential threat of tyranny.

He joined the Army Air Corp and eventually found himself in the nosecone of a B-25 as a reconnaissance meteorologist. He was preparing for deployment to the Pacific Theatre when the war ended in August 1945. He was discharged as a First Lieutenant, and continued to serve in the Reserves, retiring as a Captain. He was a true patriot and always supported Veterans.

He returned to Princeton and graduated in 1947, Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa. In the fall of 1947, he entered law school at the University of Texas. He became the Casenote Editor of the Texas Law Review. He graduated with honors in 1950 and was named to the Order of the Coif. He earned the highest score on that year's bar exam.

After Law School, he returned to San Antonio and joined the law firm of Brewer, Matthews, Nowlin, and Macfarlane, which, through various mergers over the years, eventually became Cox & Smith (now Dykema). He spent his entire career at the same firm – more than 60 years!

He began courting Gail Hall, the daughter of Isabel and Lt. General Charles P. Hall and also an only child. They married in 1954 and had 50 blessed years together of love and adventure until she preceded him in death in 2004. They had three children together. Despite the best efforts of their three little angels, Harry's naturally dark hair never grayed or disappeared from his head during those years – perhaps a genetic clue as to his longevity. His children (and grandchildren) revere him and Gail, and it is because of their love and nurturing that the family remains close.

Nothing was more important to Harry than his relationships. He never tired of investing time and effort in enriching them, and did so until his final hours. Despite increasing difficulties with mobility, he insisted on honoring his life-long friend, Jack Locke, by attending his outdoor funeral last year. He believed in civility and respect for the views of others. He did not seek conflicts but was gifted at resolving them. He was a good listener. He could sort through the most complex set of facts and summarize their essence in a few words, delivered at times with that wry smile and understated dry wit. He detested prejudice and injustice of any kind. He never thought of himself as superior to anyone and treated all with equal dignity. He valued education, and generously helped first generation college students pursue their dreams. Other examples of him acting on his principles are too numerous to cite. Honor was integral to him. Even in his final days when uttering a single word required great effort, he continued to offer advice and advocate for "doing the right thing" no matter the consequences.

Harry served as a director on the boards of the Alamo National Bank and Travis Savings & Loan, among other private sector entities.

Public service was very important to him. He served in leadership positions with many local not-for-profits, including the San Antonio Bar Association, San Antonio Symphony, San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, San Antonio Childrens' Shelter, United Way, Texas Military Institute, and other organizations. He has been a loyal and engaged member of Christ Episcopal Church since the 1950's. He was grateful for the support by its Clergy not only in his recent struggles but when his beloved Gail passed away. He was a member of several social organizations, including the Conopus Club, the Order of the Alamo (past president), the San Antonio German Club, and others.

His endearing companionship with Edith Sweeney, who he had known since childhood, made the last fourteen years of his life a joy. His close friendships with Raul Cid, Lewis Tarver, and John Oppenheimer, his honorary pallbearers, meant everything to him and kept his mind keenly engaged. Harry always believed that a secret to a long and rewarding life was to be surrounded by good people, and those included the wonderful care givers who stood by him through his most challenging moments – Carmen, Marisol, Fanny, Georgina, Roberto, Norma, and many others. He also felt secure in his home knowing that Joel would make sure everything worked properly.

In addition to numerous cousins, Harry is survived by his three children, Sidney Swearingen Wood (husband Steve, of San Antonio), Susan Swearingen Oelsen (San Antonio), and Patrick Swearingen (Julie, New Canaan, CT); seven grandchildren, Alexandra deMarigny (Austin), Mary deMarigny (San Antonio), Marshall Oelsen, MD (Megan, San Antonio), Tucker Oelsen (Burlington, VT), Rachael Oelsen (San Antonio), Isabelle Swearingen (Dunedin, New Zealand), and Sidney Swearingen (Davidson, NC); and two great grandsons, brothers Patrick "Henry" and Dean Oelsen (San Antonio).

MEMORIAL SERVICE

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021

3:00 P.M.

CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

510 BELKNAP PL., 78212

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Project QUEST, the San Antonio Food Bank, organizations to assist Veterans, Christ Episcopal Church, or the charity of your choice.

You are invited to sign

the Guestbook at

www.porterloring.com

Arrangements with