Biography: Gene Fain Swepston, 87, of Little Rock, died March 14, 2007. He was born in Wabbaseka, Arkansas to Addison Ballew Swepston and Thelma Jean Fain Swepston, on his mother’s birthday - an occurrence they both thought was quite wonderful. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, India Hankins Swepston and by a daughter, Carol Swepston Duncan and her husband Bill, a granddaughter, Elizabeth Duncan, a grandson James Duncan and his wife Wendy and a great granddaughter Addison Grace Duncan. He is also survived by a son, Gene F. Swepston, Jr. and his wife Lyn, a grandson Timothy Fain Swepston and a great-grandson Fain Solomon Swepston. His youngest son is Paul Nathan Swepston whose wife is Babs. Gene Swepston had more fun than anybody! He loved the Arkansas Symphony and never missed a performance if he were well enough to go. He loved the Rep and the excitement of live theater and Murry’s Dinner Theater every time the play changed. He loved reading and television, neighborhood kids and parties. He had a way of keeping friends forever. He had a talent for sketching old buildings. Every time he and India traveled to Europe, he took along pen and ink for drawing. He also did a wonderful delicate drawing of the Old State House which many people thought was his best. Gene had a satisfying career selling teaching aids to schools. He loved children and always felt he was helping them by seeing that they had wonderful books and materials to work with. He helped his own kids by having all of them work in the business: The Gene Swepston Company. He loved Henderson State Teachers College, now HSU, where he and India met and fell in love. He was proud of being the oldest, active Boy Scout in Arkansas, and of the troop which he helped to start at St Paul United Methodist Church. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 17 at St. Paul United Methodist Church by Pastor John Fleming and Gene and India’s dear friend Pastor Pam Estes of Grand Avenue Methodist Church in Hot Springs. A reception at the church will follow the service. Gene would have loved that memorials in lieu of flowers be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2223 Durwood, Little Rock, 72207. Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home of Little Rock, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.
I was so saddened to read of your Dad's death. I lost my Mother on 12/30/06, so I understand what you're going through right now. When Mother worked at the Ark. Dept. of Education, she would always remember to tell me whenever your Dad came in to the textbook division. She enjoyed his visits and their connection with Hendrix. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Joetta Milhoan Duke