Willard E. Swarts – 4/4/1999

Loyal, long-time Delano resident, Willard Swarts, passed away suddenly in Marysville, CA on April 4, 1999 due to an unexpected brain aneurysm. We was born in Abilene, Kansas on March 23, 1927 and came to Delano in 1934. He was preceded in death by wife, Murlene and parents Ray and Crystal, with whom he helped operate Ray’s Tire Shop in Delano. Willard’s father was the first tire recapper in Delano. Their tire recapping efforts were a major support to Delano agriculture during WWII. He leaves behind a wife, Verna; daughters and sons-in law Becki & Wayne Schmidt, Cindy & Scott Carver; son Gary Swarts; grandchildren Nick and Megan Carver; son-in-law and daughter-in-law, Chuck & Gail Etheredge, granddaughter, Brooke Etheredge; son-in-law, Ronnie Etheredge; brother-in law Gary Vincent and mother-in-law, Edna Vincent, brothers, Jim & Davis Swarts; sister and brother-in-law, Celia & John Bryan. Willard was fire marshal for the City of Delano and retired as the Fire Chief in 1982, after serving the department for 32 years. Willard was a graduate of Brown Military Academy, a World War II veteran, serving in France and Germany, and a past commander of the American Legion Post 124. He was an avid golfer, good father, husband and friend. His smile and sense of humor will be greatly missed by all.