Joe D. Swalwell

Joe D. Swalwell, 94 years old, passed away on May 20, 2023, at Midland Hospice House, Topeka KS. He was the son of Earl E. Swalwell and Laura Vivian Bail-Rogers. Joe was born on September 1, 1928, in Topeka. He grew up in North Topeka attending Quincy Elementary, Curtis Junior High and Topeka High School, Class of 1947. He attended Washburn University and served in the Kansas National Guard. Joe met the love of his life, Frances Heise, while they both worked for Crosby Brothers Dept. Store as high school students. Frances was from Scranton KS and went to Capitol Catholic (now Hayden High School). Her parents were Joseph A. and Inez (Foster) Heise. Joe and Frances were married on October 15, 1948, in Assumption Church and would have celebrated their 75th anniversary this year. While at Crosby’s, Joe worked his way up to department head and buyer before he left after 15 years. He went to work at Zercher Photo from 1960 – 1976 in marketing and operations. Joe left the retail world behind and joined Platt College as Director of Admissions in 1977 through May 1984. In June of 1984, he became Director of Downtown Topeka, Inc. Once again, Joe was working downtown in the city he loved to call home. Business Improvement, Urban Development and Revitalization were his passions. He retired in 1998. Joe had fond memories of his childhood, even in the midst of the depression. Capper picnics, free swims in the morning at Garfield pool, meeting under the streetlights for ditch ’em, pop bottle cap baseball, roller skating, nickel movies, cashing in pop bottles, and junk collecting in the alleys. A core group from the neighborhood and Curtis Junior High continued to get together after they had married and started raising families. They met once a month for dinner for over 60 years. The “Pot Luck” group is a true treasure of friendship through the years. Joe was a history buff, especially anything Civil War, Lincoln and Native American. He and Frances travelled with a collection of Native American prints made from the original glass plate negatives. The prints were recently donated to a museum to continue being used as an educational resource. Volunteering was important to Joe. He dedicated time to Most Pure Heart of Mary and Christ the King parishes in Topeka, Catholic Charities, and the Rotary Club. He committed years with the Learning Disabilities Association at the county, state and national levels. Joe is survived by his wife, Frances; and their children, Steve Swalwell (Lisa), Jeannie Schnellbacher (Jim), Jane Pennington, Susan Swalwell (Ralph), Linda Martin, Bill Swalwell, John Swalwell (Karen); grandchildren, Francesca Donovan (Joe), Ian Swalwell, Otto Schnellbacher III, Nicole McCoy (Tully), Marquis Pierce, Lauren Moore (Cole), Linnea, Carl and Gretchen Swalwell, great-grandchildren, Jack and Katie Donovan, Tully and Rory McCoy, Addilyn, Easton and Evan Moore; brother, Elmer Swalwell, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his brothers, Richard Wayne Douglas, Jim, Bob, and Bill Swalwell. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5973 SW 25th Street, Topeka, KS 66614. Inurnment to be held later. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care Hospice or Catholic Charities and sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Joe D. Swalwell

September 1, 1928 - May 20, 2023