Palestine High School Alumni Association

11 / 15 / 1939  –  05 / 22 / 2012

Ben Swinney, a kind and warm soul and a deeply beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully with his family at his bedside on May 22, 2012. Benny Leo Swinney was born November 15, 1939, in Palestine to Chester Leo and Mary Elizabeth Turner Swinney.

He graduated from Palestine High School in 1958. In 1959, he married his high school sweetheart Linda Jeanette Jenkins, and they attended Sam Houston State Teachers College in Huntsville. Ben graduated in 1962 with a degree in Business Administration. Ben served in the U.S. Army Reserves and was named Outstanding Soldier of the Cycle when he went through basic training at Fort Polk, in 1963. Ben worked in Lafayette, Louisiana, for Tenneco Oil Company before returning to Palestine in l964 to join the oilfield and general contracting firm Palestine Contractors, Incorporated.

Well-known in his industry, Ben progressed in his professional life to the role of principal within the company with his father-in-law, O.M. Jenkins, and relative Bob Mitchell, as well as brother-in-law, M. Phillip Jenkins. In addition to his primary career with Palestine Contractors, Ben also held an ownership position in the former Palestine Ford-Mercury and other business partnerships. In 1983, he was selected by Governor Bill Clements to serve on the Upper Neches River Municipal Water Authority.

He also held a board position at a local bank and was an active member of the First United Methodist Church for over 45 years. Approaching retirement from his career, Ben began life as a rancher at his Twin Oaks and Gum Creek ranches in Anderson County. He enjoyed his ranching activities well into his retirement. Ben was passionate about his family that included five grandchildren. He enjoyed perfecting his golf game and cheering on the Cowboys in the winning years and lamenting them in the lean years. He was also especially grateful for his numerous friendships and acquaintances made during his career in the oilfield services industry as well as through his affiliation with his church and community. He was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Elizabeth.

He is survived by Linda Jeanette Jenkins Swinney, his loving wife of 52 years; a daughter, Susan Claire Swinney Moseley, and her husband Robert Allen Moseley and their three children, Elyse, Truett, and Juliana; and a son, John Michael Swinney, and his wife Kathryn Bledsoe Swinney and their two children, Ben and Maggie.

Condolence calls will be received 12:30 to 1:30 in Fellowship Hall of First United Methodist Church – Palestine on Friday May 25, 2012.

Services to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, May 25, 2012, in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church – Palestine with Reverend Bruce Hay officiating.

A graveside service will follow at Roselawn Park with Reverend Ted Welty officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Bailey & Foster.

Pallbearers will be Phil Jenkins, Steve Jenkins, Doyle Callender, Roger Henderson, Ben Lester, and A.D. Lively. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Bible, Richard Farris, Tommy Bailey, Charlie Davis, Ted Welty, and Frank George.

After years of slowly having his life diminished by a cruel and invisible disease, he is at peace. His family and friends will miss his warm smile and good cheer, but we will keep him in our hearts forever.

The family of Ben Swinney would like to extend its sincere gratitude for the loving attention provided by devoted caregivers throughout the years.

If desired, memorials to his life may be made to First United Methodist Church Building Fund at 422 South Magnolia, Palestine, Texas, 75801 or Cartmell Home for Aged at 2212 West Reagan, Palestine, Texas, 75801.

Bailey Foster Funeral Home 05 / 23 / 2012