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.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate