Edward Harvey Swartz

Funeral Services for Edward H. Swartz of Gillette, WY will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Christian Church in Gillette, WY. Burial will follow at Mount Pisgah Cemetery in Gillette, with graveside services provided by Gillette Masonic Lodge. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Walker Funeral Home. Ed Swartz, 73, passed away on May 8, 2014 at Close to Home Hospice House in Gillette.Edward Harvey Swartz was born July 20, 1940 to Heck and Josephine (DeFord) Swartz in Gillette, WY. Growing up Ed attended rural and public schools around Gillette, as well as being homeschooled for a time. He was active in 4-H, FFA, Basketball, and Football, along with working on the family ranch. Ed graduated from Campbell County High School in May, 1958, after which he attended Sheridan College; Hastings College; and The University of Wyoming. In November of 1959, Ed married Patricia (Midge) Wipprecht, they divorced in 1981. On December 27, 1960, Ed and Midge Swartz welcomed their son, Rodney Swartz. Due to his father's health, Ed did not finish at the University of Wyoming, but came home to help with the ranch work. On May 16, 1962 Midge and Ed received a second son, Troy Swartz. Midge and Ed were later blessed with a daughter, Becky Jo Swartz, born on November 1, 1968. Ed went on to buy the ranch from Heck and Josephine in 1972. In 1983, Ed married Carol Manning (Doug Manning, Lois Worden, Chris Howard; Heather Prestwood, JD Hensley, Johnathan Howard), they later divorced. In 1985 he married his third wife, Mary Brantley (Tammy Brantley, Sue Shingleton), they later divorced. In 1988 Ed met his companion and longtime love, Loretta Dowling (Dena Holzer (Mark; Tiffany, Aaron, Logan, Kaylee), Darin Dowling (Cassie; Tanner, Marisa, Wheeler, Dayton), Dawn Dowling (Linda)), and spent his remaining years with her. In 1963, Ed became a member of Gillette Masonic Lodge #28. He was also a member of Gentian Chapter #23 of the Order of Eastern Star; a member of the Sons of the American Legion; a volunteer member of the Campbell County Rural Fire Department; and a life member of Wyoming 4-H Alumni Association. Ed was a founding member of the Powder River Basin Resource Council; serving on the board for six years, and acting Chairman for two years. Throughout his life Ed was a member of The Presbyterian Church and Christian Church, both of Gillette. Ed loved spending time with all his family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; being horseback on the ranch; and playing Pitch at the American Legion. He will always be remembered for his powerful personality and his "stand-down-to-no-one" attitude.He is survived by his sister, Helen Domena (Raymond) and their children: John Domena (Diane; Ray), Janet Gruchacz (Joe; Timothy, David, Joseph), and Julie Domena of Visalia, CA; his son, Troy Swartz (Mary; Alex (Leslie) Wolff, Lexi Doud) and Troy's children: Stayce Williams (Josh; Toryn) of Gillette, Trayce Yake (Terry; Kyler, Miles) of Gillette, Codye Easterling of Las Vegas, NV, Cacye Freyensee (Matt; Jacyee, Jaxyn, Kasyn) of Tooele, UT, Toni Swartz of Gillette, and Weston Swartz of Gillette; his companion Loretta Dowling; numerous great-grandchildren; and countless other family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Heck and Josephine Swartz; and his children, Rodney Swartz and Becky Swartz. Memorials and condolences may be sent in Ed Swartz's name in care of Walker Funeral Home, 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, WY 82716; or via the website www.walkerfuneralgillette.com.Funeral Home:Walker Funeral Home410 Medical Arts CourtGillette, WYUS 82716