Sgt. Robert “Bobby” Swartz of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma passed away on August 22, 2022. His inspirational life was cut short while fulfilling his duties as a Sergeant in the Oklahoma County Sheriff Department. He was born on January 15th, 1964, in Albuquerque, New Mexico to Phyllis Maxey and Sam Swartz. He was lovingly raised by his mother Phyllis and stepfather Ernie Maxey.
He is survived by his mother Phyllis, brother Lonnie Swartz, and sister Janette Swartz. Bobby was uncle to many nieces and nephews, but his pride and joy was his son Austin. Austin and his wife, Kim, gave Bobby the best gift of his life, two grandkids, Raegan and Rowan.
Bobby attended Northwest Classen High School. His calling to be in service to others came very early in life when he joined the Army Reserves and later worked in the Oklahoma County Jail. In December 1997, he joined the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Department and was immediately recognized for his gentle spirit and calm nature. During his 25 years with the Sheriff’s Department, Sgt. Swartz happily worked any position, department, or task to which he was assigned. Accruing knowledge in all aspects of law enforcement was not only a pleasure for Bobby but an honor. His congenial nature and fair-minded mentality eventually lead him to the position of Sergeant, “the best job in the world”, his words. One of his favorite assignments was dealing with child welfare, although sometimes heartbreaking, Bobby was a passionate professional and champion for all those that could not fight for themselves. Many times, working off the clock to aid children and parents in need.
In his down time, Bobby was a motorcycle and outdoor enthusiast. That said, there was no hobby that took precedence over his son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. Bobby was there not only in times of need, but when it was time to cheer. He was known to his grandchildren as “Papa Policeman”, and Papa never missed a soccer game, birthday, or dance recital. As great of an officer as he was, he was an even better Papa.
He will be greatly missed by countless family, friends, and all that knew him.
Please keep Deputy Johns and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Job well done.
EOW: August 22, 2022.
“My dad was an amazing man, father, grandfather, son and brother. His grandchildren affectionately called him Papa Policeman. Dad was a 25 year veteran of the Sheriff’s office. He also served his country in the United States Army. He was so proud to serve the people of his community and took great pride in helping others. He was a true family man who loved watching his granddaughter play soccer, the outdoors, fishing, hunting and of course riding his motorcycle. He was there for anyone, whenever and wherever, all you had to do was call him. I’m not sure what the world will look like without him, but I do know it is not going to be the same. My family would like to thank the community for all the prayers of support and comfort….We lost an amazing person.” – Austin Swartz
A public viewing will be held at Bill Merritt Funeral Home, 6201 NW 39th, Bethany, OK 73008 from 5 PM – 8 PM on Thursday, August 25, 2022.
Funeral Services will be held 1:00 PM Friday, August 26, 2022 at Crossings Community Church, 14600 Portland Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73134. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens, 500 SW 104th, Oklahoma City.
The family has requested all media please refrain from any video inside the church. Please feel free to set up cameras outside.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.billmerrittfuneralservice.com for the Swartz family.
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