Claude Swindler

Claude Nagle Swindler passed away Saturday, August 31, 2013 at his home in Baker after a long struggle with emphysema. He was born in New Roads 90 years ago, the son of Patrick and Albertine Patin Swindler. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marie Crochet Swindler and five children, Claudia Brian and husband, Malcolm Linda Rizzo and husband, Rudy Patrick Swindler and wife, Sharon Penny Blount and husband, Ronell and Rod Swindler. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 19 greatgrandchildren, one greatgreat grandchild, and two sisters and brothersinlaw, Janet and Eddie Callegan, and Barbara and Harold Robillard. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Michelle Rizzo and his sister and brotherinlaw, Patricia and J.C. Langlois. A US Marine Corp veteran of WWII, he volunteered twice to serve in the Pacific Theater. He dedicated 47 years of his life to working with Barber Brothers Contractors, his only employer in his adult life. He was very civic minded, and in 1976 he won the Citizen of the Year Award from the Baker Interclub Council, and in 1986, the Outstanding Citizen of Baker. He was also very active in St. Isidore Catholic Church. He served on committees and councils as needed, and chaired the church fair for many, many years. His favorite charity was St. Vincent de Paul, and he volunteered at the church council and eventually served as President. Until he could no longer drive due to Macular Degeneration, he would happily fill the food boxes and make home deliveries to the poor from the food pantry. Claude was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4085, serving as Grand Knight for two years, and was also the Deputy Grand Knight for the Baton Rouge Area. He won numerous Knights of the Year and Family of the Year awards. The family would like to thank the sitters, Robyn Green, Trina Shropshire, and Latrice Landry, who took such loving care of both Claude and Marie. Also, thanks to hospice aide, Lorraine, and nurses, Leah and David who guided us through this process. Visiting at Baker Funeral Home, 6401 Groom Road, Baker, on Tuesday, September 3, 2013, from 4:008:00pm. Visiting will resume at St. Isidore Catholic Church, 5657 Thomas Road, Baton Rouge, on Wednesday, September 4, from 9am until Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am, celebrated by Revs. Michael Moroney and Frank Bass. Interment to follow in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, Baker. In lieu of flowers, donations to the following charities would be appreciated or chose one of your favorites: the St. Isidore Council of St. Vincent de Paul, the American Lung Association, or Foundation Fighting Blindness.

Visitation

Baker Funeral Home
6401 Groom Rd.
Baker, LA  70714
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
48pm

Service

Mass of Christian Burian

St. Isidore Catholic Church
5657 Thomas Rd.
Baker, LA  70811
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
10am visiting 9am

Cemetery

Hillcrest Memorial Gardens
6305 Groom Rd.
Baker, LA  70714

Memorial Contributions

5657 Thomas Rd.
Baton Rouge, LA  70811


1301 Pennslvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC  20004


PO Box 17279
Baltimore, MD  21298