CHAPTER ETERNAL: AXEL SWANSON III ’54

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Axel Swanson III ’54 into chapter Eternal. We want to extend our deepest sympathies to Axel’s family, friends, and loved ones. Thanks to Sue, Axel’s daughter, for writing this touching tribute to him below:

“Unfortunately, my father, Axel Swanson III, passed away on February 15, 2021, at the age of 88. My father LOVED Penn State! It’s where he met his wife, my mother (they were married for 69 years). He continued to follow the Penn State football program every season. If they weren’t televised, he would listen to them on his computer. After graduating from Penn State, he and my mother moved to Philadelphia, where he worked for an accounting firm there. He eventually moved to the suburbs to raise their family (my brother, sister, and I) and worked for American Olean Tile Company as their Controller. In 1979, he was promoted to Vice President of Finance and Treasurer and moved to the parent company, National Gypsum located in Dallas, Texas. He retired in 1988 at the age of 55. He and my mother, both avid golfers, traveled the world until my father lost his vision due to giant cell arteritis. My parents moved in with my husband and I two years ago so we could take care of them. A decision I would not change for the world!!”

Obituary courtesy of Bill DeBarry Funeral Directors

Axel H. Swanson III, 88, of Trophy Club, TX, formally of McKinney, TX, passed away on February 15, 2021.  He was born on September 29, 1932, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Axel II and Elizabeth (Sands) Swanson. 

Axel is a graduate of Penn State University, where he met his wife Sandra. At Penn State, he was a member of Pi Kappa Psi Fraternity.

He worked for American Olean Tile Company in Lansdale, PA for 20 years until 1979 when he moved to Dallas, Texas to work for the corporate headquarters, National Gypsum Company, where he was the Vice President Finance and Treasurer.  He retired in 1988.

He was an avid golfer, fisherman; he loved baseball and traveling.

He was a member of First Baptist Church in McKinney.  He was also a member of the Shiloh-MacCalla Lodge No. 558.

Preceded in death are his parents Axel II and Elizabeth (Betty) Swanson, brothers Larry Swanson, Lance Swanson, and sister Tanya Swanson.

Axel is survived by his wife of 69 years Sandra; Children Kathy Aramino, Axel H. Swanson IV (Rick), Sue Johnston and her husband Doug; Sister Janet Shellington; Grandchildren Brad Aramino, Matthew Aramino, Megan Clark, Nicole Swanson, Axel H. Swanson V, Kristin Roberts, Adam Garrett, Christopher Garrett, and Kevin Garrett; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Axel will be laid to rest at Whitemarsh Memorial Park in Pennsylvania.