Joseph William Swaty, Sr. passed away Saturday, June 27, 2009 at the age of 93 in Sheridan, Arkansas. He was a very special individual with a zest for life, balanced by wisdom, strong faith, humor, his loving family and lasting friendships.

He was preceded in death by his second wife of 19 years, Olga Winkle Swaty, and first wife Mae John Lovell Swaty. He leaves behind a son, Joe Swaty, Jr. and wife Nancy of Colorado Springs, Colorado; two daughters, Karyn Yates and husband Eugene of Farmerville, Louisiana and Laura Woodall and husband Tim of Sheridan; one stepdaughter, Patricia Hodges of Sheridan; brothers; R. Antone Swaty and B. Richard Swaty of Little Rock, and Charles B. Swaty of Haskell, Arkansas; eight grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Swaty was born in Fordyce, Arkansas to David R. and Grace Byrns Swaty on May 21, 1916.

He served in the Navy during World War II as a Merchant Marine First Gunner's Mate. With a Doctorate of Juris Prudence from the University of Arkansas School of Law, Mr. Swaty's early career included roles as Law Clerk for the Arkansas Supreme Court, then as Claims Adjuster for the USF&G Insurance Company. He moved his family to Sheridan in 1965 to serve as City Attorney and practiced law, as well as acting as a Real Estate Broker, until retirement at 81. As a Rotarian and longtime member and past deacon of the First Baptist Church in Sheridan he embraced the community determined to serve.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Sam Adkins officiating. A private burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Little Rock. Family visitation will be from 9:00 AM until service time.

The family wishes to express a special thanks to his caregivers at the Sheridan Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 1201 S. Rock, Street, Sheridan, Arkansas 72150.