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.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate