Fredrick Fitzgerald Swist

On June 7, 1966, a handsome baby boy was born to Freddie and Naomi Swist whom they named Frederick Fitzgerald Swist affectionately known as “Rick”. At an early age Rick accepted the Lord as his Savior and always professed his faith in God. Rick grew up in the South Park area and attended EE Worthing High School. In his youth days he enjoyed his neighborhood friends but also enjoyed spending time in Arcola, Texas near his grandparents and cousins. After growing up in the city around the age of 30 he decided he wanted to move to be near his dad’s family in the country. All that took was a phone call to his first cousin, Earnest “Jr” Pettit who did not hesitate to make that happen. Although he would go back to Houston to visit for periods of time to help family members including caring for his sister Connie, until her passing, Rick considered Van Vleck his home and was known by everyone in the community as he could aways be seen riding his bicycle, that he took great pride in, thru the neighborhood.

Rick was a jack of all trades and was eager to help any and everyone.  His work history included working at the day labor hall, upholstery work, custodian at VVISD and other odd jobs. He loved the outdoors, mowing, washing cars, taking care of animals, fixing things and doing the work others often did not want to do. He loved horses, trail rides and always dreamed of owning a corvette. For years he looked forward to the annual trail ride from West Columbia into Houston to kick off the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Rick also loved to dance and never missed the opportunity to take center stage showing off his unique dance moves at family events. He loved music and always had his boom box on blast. A few of his favorite sayings were “Don’t Take No Wooden Nickels” and “Thangs and Mo Thangs”. At the young age of 59, Rick transitioned to his heavenly home on Thursday, November 13th in Rosharon, Texas. He is proceeded in death by his mother, Naomi Fontaine Swist, father, Freddie Swist, grandparents, sister, Connie Rose Combs, brothers Butch Spikes and Lawrence “Dook” Green Sr. Rick leaves many cherished memories with the Pettit family who he lived with for almost 30 years, his nieces and nephews, special cousins and many other family and friends who will miss him dearly. 

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