Monte Swatzell

Graveside services for Dr. Monte Swatzell, 93, will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, July 9, 2021 in the Rosehill Cemetery, Cleburne with Chaplain Don Anderson will officiate with Rev. Daniel Hawkins and Mr. George Cowden assisting. Honorary pallbearers will be Jack D. Swatzell, Major Lynn Swatzell, Ted Jones, D.J. Orrell, Alan Reed, Ed Goodgion, Tommy Searcy, and Ralph Garrett. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 8, 2021 in the Crosier Pearson Cleburne Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the First United Methodist Church, Cleburne www.fumccleburne.com .

Dr. Monte Swatzell passed away Friday, July 2, 2021, in Fort Worth. Dr. Swatzell was born to the late, Jeremiah Philip and Lady Idalia Dement Swatzell on July 16, 1927 in Las Vegas, New Mexico. He served as a Merchant Marine during World War II. Monte married the love of his life, Joyce Chafin on June 23, 1951 in Cleburne. He was a graduate of A&M University’s Veterinary program in 1951, after which he worked at and then owned Cleburne Veterinary Hospital from 1952-1995, when he retired. Dr. Swatzell truly loved his practice, clients and the many small, large and exotic animals he cared for over the years. He was a devoted Christian and member of the First United Methodist Church, Cleburne. He was a member of several organizations over the years, including the Texas Veterinary Medical Association, Century Club of A&M, Bluebonnet Garden Club, where he was a Master Gardner, and also a board member of the Cleburne National Bank. Dr. Swatzell will be forever remembered for his character and integrity. He was a man that had high expectations for himself, believing himself and others to be accountable and to always be your best. He was a determined man, who was un-shakable; having little that could overwhelm him or his positive outlook. Monte was not only work oriented, but was a family man as well. The center of his world was his family with no question. He was a loyal friend and believed in helping others whenever you could…and he did. Dr. Swatzell will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joyce Chafin Swatzell; son, Jere Chafin Swatzell; brother, Philip Dale Swatzell; and half-brother, Jere Breen.

Survivors include his son, Monte Yale Swatzell, Jr. and wife, Ann; daughters, Shirley Cowden and husband, George, and Kelly Taylor and husband, Tim; 6 grandchildren, Hallie, J.P., George, Hannah, Joel, and Aaron; 5 great grandchildren, Sadie, Charlotte, Helen, Catherine, and George; brothers, Jack Dement Swatzell, and Major Lynn Swatzell and wife, June; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Encompass Hospice, Caring Senior Services, Right At Home, and the numerous caregivers including Vicki Hughes, Barbara Watson and Laura Youngberg for all the support and love given to Dr. Swatzell and the family during this journey.