Richard Swindell Obituary

Swindell, Richard lost his long battle with emphysema on Monday, August 9. He died at home at age 76 when his heart failed. Richard was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on March 9, 1928. He was the son of two schoolteachers. He spent his childhood in the Midwest as his father searched for locations for Standard Oil Gas Stations. Richard graduated from New Trier High School in Winnetka, IL and began a long career in the automotive industry that included everything from driving and building race cars to managing a fleet of trucks for Sears Roebuck & Co. He finished his career in Sears Midwest Training School, teaching others the craft he loved. His expertise with engines included radio-controlled model plane engines, and his association with the Charlotte Radio Control Society brightened his retirement years. Richard is survived by his wife, Nita and her three devoted children, Karen Gustafson, Russell Cook and Sara Hudson, six children, Linda Rose Barley, Kathie Lyon, Trudy Smith, Jim Swindell, Karen Ortiz and Richard Scott Swindell, seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, several step-children and their children, one sister, Betty Lowrey and many nieces and nephews. His parents, Frank and Carmen Swindell and his sister, Jody Turner preceded him in death. The family will receive friends Friday evening, at Robarts Funeral Home, 163 Brevard Ave. in Arcadia, FL, from 5 to 8 p.m. A Celebration of Richard's life is scheduled for 11 a.m., Saturday morning, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to your favorite charity. Robarts can be reached at 863-494-7646.