Born on the 4th of July, in Redding, CA, and raised by his grandparents, he graduated from Anderson Union HS.
Frank owned several businesses in the Redding/Anderson, CA area, including a Tidy Car detail franchise. Ultimately, he became a Transmission Technician, building transmissions for several dealerships, as well as several private transmission shops in Bakersfield throughout the years, on the side.
While Frank enjoyed working on cars, he was a Racer at heart. After racing and owning race cars for many years, all over the Western United States and Canada, Frank became a Team/car owner, participating in races at Mesa Marin and other tracks.
Racing brought Frank to Bakersfield where he met his wife, Cassie, in 1981.
Frank was a devoted husband and dad and is survived by his wife Cassie (Baize) Swords (celebrating 41 years of marriage in May 2023) and 2 sons, Justin (KimberLeigh) and Scott (Cassie). He was also a very loving Pop Pop to the love of his life, his grandson, Zadin (Scott’s son), along with two granddaughters, CharLeigh, and EverLeigh (Justin’s daughters).
Frank is also survived by one sister, Colleen, of Watsonville, CA and his In-laws, Don and Judy Baize of Bakersfield.
Frank was preceded in death by his father, William Frank Swords, mother, Jacklyn (Swords) O’Brien, along with his loving Pop, Robert (Bob) O’Brien.
Frank was the dad that was at every event, practice and game. Whether it was Scouts, Soccer, Baseball, High School Home Coming Floats (or Bakersfield College) if they needed help, Frank was there.
Always a gentleman, he had a work ethic which was reflected in everything he did, along with his honesty and integrity. Frank made an impact on many lives throughout his life.
The family would like to thank the dedicated and caring staff at Memorial Hospital for their care of Frank and his family. Additionally, the family would also like to thank the staff at Kern River Transitional Care (where Frank had been since 2020).
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillcrestmemorial.com for the Swords family.
