Larned – Robert "Bob" James Swartz, 78, passed away November 12, 2024 in Garden City.

He was born September 28, 1946 in Larned, Kansas the son of Raymond and Margaret (Wagaman) Swartz.

Growing up in Macksville, he was a 1965 graduate of Macksville High School. During his senior year he was drafted by the United States Army and then transferred to the United States Navy.  He was assigned to the USS Jamestown at the Navy Port of San Diego, California and later the Subic Bay in the Philippines. He was deployed for support in the Vietnam War from 1967-1969.  In 1975 he married Mary Swartz; they divorced.

Following his military service, Bob returned to Macksville and worked with his father at the grain elevator.  He then lived and worked in Hutchison for some time, before moving to Denver, Colorado.  His later years he settled in San Ysidro, CA near San Diego. He returned to Kansas in December 2023 when his health began to fail.  He was moved to The Soldier's Home at Fort Dodge in 2024, where he was lovingly cared for in the dementia unit.  He suffered an acute illness that took him to Garden City, KS and passed in the hospital with palliative care.

Survivors include: brother, Ron (Sarah) Swartz, Philippines; many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, J.R. Swartz, Richard (Dick) Swartz, William (Billy) Swartz; three sisters, Virginia Shearrer, Betty Hood, and Carolyn Hunt.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel with Reverend Daneale White presiding. Inurnment will be in Farmington Cemetery, Macksville with Military Graveside Rites.

Memorials may be given to Kansas Soldier's Home at Fort Dodge in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.