Clyde Houston Swann

Obituary Notice

Clyde Houston Swann, 87, of Little Rock, 41 year career employee of Southwestern Bell and active community and church volunteer, died on Sunday, June 17, 2001 from complications due to congestive heart failure. "He passed the same way he lived-quietly, humbly, and with more than sufficient grace," said his stepson George West. Clyde's lifetime was rooted in Central Arkansas, from Lonoke his birthplace and childhood home, to Conway, his college town (1936 Graduate of Hendrix College), to Little Rock, his home throughout his working career, family life, and retirement-but he stretched his world many parts of the globe. After retiring from Southwestern Bell, Clyde took his wife Lucille to six of the seven continents and several countries as far flung as Finland, Russia, and Australia. They were longtime participants in Elderhostel Programs, wherever possible. The urge to know more about the countries and peoples of the world was forstered by his services in the United States Army Air Corps where he served in the China-Burma-India theatre during World War II. He made it a point, as well, to visit each part of the United States. "I had a t4echer in the 5th grade who made American history come to life, and I just wanted to see every one of the states," Clyde often told his stepsopn, also a history teacher. Clyde sought another kink of what he called "adventures inliving" after retiring, this time close by in his home community. "I did my best to do a good job for my employer for all the years I spent wsith Southwest Bell, but I then wanted to sample as many experiences as I could-while helping others," Clyde shared with his stepdaughter, Martha West. Clyde's volunteer work started full-time the same year he retired and continued the next 22 years. He tutored students at Pulaski Heights Elementary in reacding, taught adults one-on-one for the Literacy Action for Central Arkansas, helped widows prepare their tax forms as an Internal Revenue volunteer for AARP, oversaw elections at voting precinct #355G, served lunches as the Oasis Renewal Center, and was a founding member of the Board for Scott Connectios, a non-profit historical society preserving family histories and artifacts of the farm community at Scott, Arkansas. His stepchildren oftern smiled (prostesting did not work, of course) at the schedule Clyde andn Lucille kept. If Lucille kept them busy by day, it was Clyde who carried them on at night. They were active in The Dance Club once each month as well as the Bookfellows. In addition, Clyde remained active in groups associated with his career with Southwestern Bell, the Toastmasters Club, and the Telephone Pioneer, the group of employees who began work when Southwestern Bell first opened offices in Little Rock. Most important to Clyde was his fellowship and service in the church. He was a member of First Christian Church of Little Rock for many years before transferring membership to All Souls Interdenominational Church at Scott after marrying Lucille, who has been the church organist there since 1930. There Clyde served as a teacher in the Men's Class, the Sunday School Superintendent, Chairman of the Church Council, and Trustee until reaching retirement age at 75. In addition, he participated in several long-term bible study groups. His familiy received what they believed to be the special bonus of his life of study and prayer at each holiday meal and other family gatherings. "I loved when Mama Cille called on Daddy Clyde to say grace; his blessing calmed us down and made us appreciate our moments together," says daughter-in-law, Starr Mitchell. Clyde was predeceased by his parents, David and Margaret Swann, his sister, Geraldine Swann, his first wife, Bernice Goodman Swann in 1970, and their infant daughter, Geraldine Swann. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Lucille Blann West Swann, his stepdaughter, Martha West of LaCombe, Louisiana; stepgrandaughter, Jennifer Roth of Maryland; stepson, George West and wife Starr Mitchell and stepgrandsons, Logan Mitchell West and William Cane West all of Little Rock. Also surviving is his sister, Clarice Swann Cousins and husband, Gene Cousins of Fort Smith, two nephews, Rick Cousins and wife Lynn of Houston, and Steve Cousins and wife Janet of El Dorado, and several nieces and nephews. 

Graveside Services will be Tuesday, June 19, 2001 at Roselawn Cemetery by Ruebel Funeral Home, followed by a Service.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home.