In memory of Earl M. Swindle Sr. of Houston.

89(R) SR 413 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 413

In Memory

of

Earl Swindle Sr.

WHEREAS, A full and generous life drew to a close with the

passing of Earl M. Swindle Sr. of Houston on April 3, 2025, at the

age of 89; and

WHEREAS, The son of Bernice and W. M. Swindle, Earl Swindle

was born in Shelby County on May 20, 1935, and he was blessed with

the companionship of 10 siblings, Perry, David, Kathy, Charles,

Earnest, Retha, Pamela, Donna, Dedra, and Dadra; he graduated

from Jack Yates High School in 1953, and he went on to earn a

bachelor's degree in business administration from Texas Southern

University in 1957; shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the U.S.

Army, and he served as a sharpshooter for three years until his

honorable discharge; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Swindle wed the former Minerva Ellen Higgins

on November 13, 1960, and the couple shared a rewarding marriage

that spanned 37 years until her passing in 1997; he took great

pride in their two sons, Earl and Rodney, and he had the pleasure

of seeing their treasured family grow to include three grandsons,

Issaiah, Zane, and Jarrett; and

WHEREAS, In 1960, Mr. Swindle began his career at the Gulf

Oil Company as an entry-level executive; later that year, he

accepted an offer to become one of the first African American

proprietors of a Gulf Oil retail service and fuel operation; he

subsequently opened Swindle's Gulf Service Station, later known

as Swindle's Chevron; and

WHEREAS, Over the years, Mr. Swindle's establishment

became a gathering place for Third Ward community members from

all walks of life; in recognition of its success, he was awarded

the Gulf Oil Company Gold Service Award five times, and he also

served twice as president of the company's honor council; he

employed many of his extended family members, and he also

benefited from his wife's assistance for more than three and a

half decades; after closing the station in 2001, he worked

briefly for Randall Reed Ford before embarking on a 17-year

tenure with the The Home Depot; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to assisting future generations,

Mr. Swindle sponsored a number of youth sports teams and

development programs; he also collaborated with area high

schools to create a workforce training program, and he frequently

gave of his time and resources to help Texas Southern University

students with automotive repairs; in addition, he supported

numerous local churches; and

WHEREAS, Earl Swindle lived a life that was rich in family,

friends, and community service, and those who were privileged to

share in his love and affection will forever hold him close in

their hearts; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th

Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Earl M. Swindle

Sr. and extend heartfelt condolences to his family and friends;

and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be

prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns

this day, it do so in memory of Earl Swindle.

Miles

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the

above Resolution was adopted by

the Senate on April 16, 2025, by a

rising vote.

________________________________

Secretary of the Senate

________________________________

Member, Texas Senate