Richard Brian Swallen Jr.

Richard Brian Swallen Jr., “Brian” of Dallas and longtime Houstonian was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven on Tuesday, the 7th of May 2024, at the age of 54. We are certain it was a glorious arrival!

He was a dear friend to many. He gave great advice and did not sugarcoat. Brian was a giver, witty, a master impersonator, comedian, and had a wicked sense of humor with a big heart. He supported those around him to the fullest. He loved his family immensely and that love was never doubted while Brian was on this earth.

Brian had a passion for design since he was a child. When he was twelve, he and his mother designed his family pool and backyard in Tanglewood.

His family welcomed friends throughout the years and when they returned from college. Lifelong friendships were formed at Hotel Swallen. These friendships were a part of Brian’s everyday life until the end.

Brian was a sought-after landscape designer and featured in numerous publications. He was meticulous with his crews and pivotal in training. He was proud to be a part of advancing a gardener’s career leaving many with clients for life. Brian loved a tailored garden with seasonal color, perfect circles, globe boxwoods, and exactly snapped chalk lines. If you asked for Brian’s help in one space, you received advice on nine more “phases” for the home to be perfect. Like his father, he was never short on advice.

While Brian was born in Atlanta, he spent most of his formative years in Houston where he attended Alexander Smith Academy. He was a graduate of Texas Tech University and “Social Chairman” of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. Brian was honored when his brother followed him to Tech and also pledged SAE. Brian always said he took care of Will (and he did!).

Brian loved Texas and was torn between picking the best city to reside in (Houston, Fort Worth, or Dallas). His landscape masterpieces can be seen in historic neighborhoods throughout these three cities.

We are all devastated by his passing. Until we see him again, Brian leaves behind his parents: Florence Jean Harlan and Richard Brian Swallen, Sr. His sister, Mary Elizabeth Winter, and his brother, William James Swallen (Jennifer.) His beloved niece and nephews: Emily Paige and Timothy Johns Winter, George William and Charles Adkerson Swallen. His aunt, Elizabeth Swallen Hudson (Edward), and uncle, Thomas Adkerson Harlan (Cameron) and cousins: Wendy Petersen (Jon), Jamie Wright (Brad), Dan Sugulas (Melissa), Andrea Harlan (Jeff), William "Billy" Harlan, and Blake Harlan (Caitlyn). He had many new friends in Dallas, Fort Worth, and of course Houston. Cherished friends for over forty years: Dana Myers, Tina McMackin, Lindsay Holstead, Ann Singleton, Lauren Strauss, Christy Rodriguez, Jessica Meyer, Don Connelly and his beloved housekeeper and friend, Cristina Arroyo, whom he adored. We likely left someone off this lifelong list and will hear about it when we meet again.

Brian now rests with his grandparents: Pauline June “Mimi” and Rollin James “Jim” Swallen, and Florrie Pauline Adkerson “Polly” and William Ellis Harlan, his aunt, Mary Margret Harlan, and brother-in-law, Tim Winter.

Friends are invited to gather with the family and share remembrances of Brian during a visitation from five o’clock in the afternoon until seven o’clock in the evening on Wednesday, the 15th of May 2024, in the library and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons.

A Celebration of Brian’s Life with friends and family will be held at eleven o’clock in the morning on Thursday, the 16th of May 2024, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

A reception will follow in the adjacent grand foyer.

Prior to the service, the family will have gathered for a private interment at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery in Houston.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be William, George, and Charles Swallen, Timothy Winter, Thomas Harlan, and Edward Hudson.

In honor of Brian’s love for nature, our family has chosen to wear floral attire and welcomes our guests to do so as well. The earth laughs in flowers. May Brian live in beautiful gardens and in our hearts forever.

In lieu of customary remembrances please consider a memorial contribution to your favorite park in honor of Brian.