John Craig Swift

On Tuesday November 17, 2020, John “Craig” Swift Sr., loving husband and father, spent his last night surrounded by the family he loved before taking his final breath at the age of seventy-nine with his son, Johnny, at his side.

Craig was born on Saturday December 28, 1940, in Queens, New York to Leslie J. Swift and Dorothy Francis Marie (Gandolfo) Swift. In 1946, his parents moved with him and his older sister, Carol Ann, to Texas.

On May 24, 1959, John graduated from St. Thomas High School, and after a two-month summer vacation, July of 1959, he signed his name on the dotted line and became a member of the United States Marine Corps Reserve where he dedicated six years of his life before being honorably discharged on July 15, 1965.

It was during his enlistment that he met his first wife, Carol Leonard and after a whirlwind romance they were wed on June 1, 1963 and had three children, Terri, Johnny, and Sherri. While their marriage would not last forever as they had hoped, Craig remained a dedicated father, always assuring his children needed for nothing.

Later, he met his second wife, Mary Jane Adams Coon, and they married on March 27, 1974. They remained happily married for forty-six years. Mary Jane dedicated the last several years of her life to the care of her loving husband.

Following the passing of Mary Jane, and due to the constant care Craig needed, he moved to Brookshire Texas to live with his son and daughter-in-law where he spent much needed time with his children and his siblings. In his spare time, he spent countless hours studying for his Master Electrician exam, watching old western movies, and snacking on his JuJy Fruit candies. After more than fifty years with the Knights of Columbus, he was recently Knighted as a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus which was something he wanted dearly. He was now “Sir Knight Swift”.

Craig was a devoted Catholic, a self employed electrician, a certified pilot, a certified scuba diver, and genuinely enjoyed spending time with his family. It was not uncommon for him to load up the plane and take off on an unplanned trip with his loved ones. He had a zest for life and shared a special bond with all those he loved. He had a unique sense of humor and always had time to laugh and play with those he cared about.

Craig was proceeded in death by his father, Leslie J. Swift; his mother, Dorothy Francis Marie Gandolfo; his oldest daughter, Terri Maler; his sister, Carol Ann Swift; and his wife, Mary Jane Swift.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, John and Patricia Swift; his daughter, Sharon Marie Rash; his son-in-law, Bo Maler (Terri’s husband); his brother and sister-in-law, Leslie and Patricia Swift; his sister, Mary Swift; his step-son and daughter-in-law, Trenton and Rebecca Coon; his nine grandchildren, Julia, Briana, Justin, Emma, Cameron, Erica, Alicia, Brenton and Chelsea; and five great- grandchildren, James, Maison, Emily, Darci and Candence; along with many nieces, nephews, family members and friends who will miss him.

A rosary will be held at 10 A.M., Saturday, November 21, 2020 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Madisonville, Texas, followed by a viewing and visitation from 10:30 A.M. to 11 A.M. A funeral mass will be held at 11 A.M.; Fr. Guillermo Gabriel - Maisonet will officiate the service, with burial in Allphin Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Nery Mazariegos, Chris Bowman, Bo Maler, Robert Kramer, Joe Burns, Kirk Swift

Arrangements are under the direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas.