Herbert J. Swender

Herbert J. Swender

Herbert J. Swender, 85, died March 24, 2014, at Neosho Memorial Hospital in Chanute, Kan., surrounded by family. Herb lived the life he wanted, a life filled with joy and laughter, friends and family, and a rewarding career in a field he loved.

Herbert J. Swender was born to Embert D. and Lillie M. (Lee) Swender on Dec. 17, 1928. He was a man of many passions, with a ready laugh, and a willingness to help anyone in need. Herb's greatest passion was his wife, Lesta. Herb and Lesta Irene Hedman were married by his grandfather in Kincaid, Kan., on July 8, 1955.

Herb grew up in Fort Scott, Kan., and graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1946 where he participated in sports, including outstanding achievements in the high hurdles. He graduated from Fort Scott Junior College with an Associate's degree and went on to the Kansas State Teachers' College in Pittsburg, Kan. After completing a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education, Herb joined the Army, was recruited to the Army's Counter Intelligence Corps (CIC) with specialized training at Langley, VA, before serving in the Korean War. Herb earned additional educational degrees, including a Master's from Emporia State University and an Educational Specialist degree from Pittsburg State University.

While serving as an assistant college basketball coach at Pittsburg, Herb began his life-long passion for coaching and officiating. His coaching experiences included college, the military's Far East Championship baseball and basketball teams in Korea and Japan, high school, junior high, Little League, Elks and American Legion baseball. Herb coached basketball, baseball, track, golf, and football at some time for both boys and girls teams. Coach Swender loved working with the many outstanding athletes it was his privilege to coach over the years.

Teaching was another passion of Herb's. After serving in the Korean War, Herb taught PE, industrial arts, and government at Admire High School. As newlyweds, Herb and Lesta found a new teaching and coaching home at St. Patrick's School in Chanute where Herb served 10 years coaching and teaching English and industrial arts. All four of Herb and Lesta's children were born during the St. Pat's years and the St. Pat's families, priests, and nuns were lifelong friends to the couple and their children.

In 1965, Herb moved his teaching and coaching career to Royster Junior High School (RJHS) where he taught various classes over the years including industrial arts, health, arts and crafts, and World of Manufacturing. While at Royster, Herb had the pleasure of teaching all four of his children. He also taught with his wife, Lesta, at Royster for five years and then with his daughter, Debra, for eight years. At Royster, he had the pleasure of coaching both of his sons, Herb and Patrick, in basketball and golf. While there are many good memories of his Royster "family" some of his favorite stories included his teaching buddy Bill Stanley. Tales of the old trade school and echoes of the gonging "Spire alarm" linger in the minds of many to this day.

Other great Royster memories were made with RJHS band teacher and friend Bill Roberts. Bill and Herb had some great fishing trips and caught a few band trips, as well, including watching Herb's daughter Diane lead the Rocket, Comet, and Pittsburg State marching bands as drum major. Herb's childhood friend and classmate Barb Keller shared many birthdays, laughs, and stories while teaching together at RJHS. Herb also enjoyed many faculty/student basketball showdowns with speedy Larry Nelson and baseline driving John Martin.

Herb's greatest passion, next to his wife of 59 years, was his family. Surviving family members include Dr. Lesta Swender, of the home; daughter Debra Swender Mikulka, husband Thomas Mikulka, and granddaughter Alexandra Mikulka of Chanute; daughter Dr. Diane Watkins, husband Dr. Mark Watkins, granddaughters Christian Watkins and Blair Watkins, of Chanute; son Dr. Herbert Swender, wife Diana Willis Swender, grandchildren H.J. Swender, Whitney Swender, and Austin Swender, and great granddaughter Kaitlyn Swender of Garden City, Kan.; and son Patrick Swender, of Chanute. Herb is also survived by a sister, Elaine Swender Day and husband Dan; nephew Marc Day and wife Lydia, niece Karen Swender Foor and husband Ken, Whittier California, nephew Robert Swender, Jr and wife Terri, Poway, Calif., nephew Richard Swender, Las Vegas, Nev., Susan Swender England and husband Jim, California; and many great nieces and nephews. Herb's parents and his brother, Robert Swender preceded him in death.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Countryside Funeral Home Gibson Chapel on Forest Street in Chanute. Funeral services will be Friday, March 28, at 2 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Chanute, with burial in Memorial Park Cemetery in Chanute.

Memorials may be made to the USD 413 Foundation, 315 Chanute 35 Parkway, Chanute, KS 66720 or left at the funeral home in memory of Herb for the Herbert J. Swender Scholarship. Scholarship money will be provided to Chanute High School student athletes who choose to attend Neosho County Community College.