89R24119 HMR-D
By: Miles S.R. No. 413
R E S O L U T I O N
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 89th Texas 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.