Howard H. Swartz

Howard was born in Kansas City, Missouri and grew up in Southern Indiana. He was third oldest in a family of eight children. His mother was blind and his father had lingering health issues from WW I. Howard went to work after the eighth grade and a few years later joined the Navy. He was a voracious reader and served aboard the U. S. S. Bronson during the Korean Conflict. He was discharged a few days before his 21st birthday.

Howard joined the Louisville Police Department and rose in rank to Captain. While working he attended University of Louisville part time and earned a B. S. in Police Administration. He headed what was then the 5th District headquartered in Central Park and spearheaded a program of Community Policing—working with the community. For a period of time, he headed the Bomb Squad. He received many accolades for meritorious, innovative policing, and community service. While working in the police department, Howard continued his education at University of Louisville and received a Juris Doctor. He became the city's first policeman to attain a law degree and become Legal Advisor for the Louisville Police Department. He retired in 1991 after 30 years with the Louisville Police Department. He engaged in private law practice for a few years before he really retired. Howard enjoyed building model engines. In retirement he attended model engine shows and spent time in the garage building small engines that went "put-put." He established a relationship with a fellow small engine builder in England with whom he communicated frequently.

Howard enjoyed extensive independent travel. He and his wife Brenda would go to the library and get books about possible destinations and pick out what they did and did not want to see/do. The Great Wall, the Pyramids, camel ride in the Outback, elephant ride in Thailand, ostrich ride (sort of) in South Africa, visit to Normandy, following the geographic extent of Roman ruins, visiting Korea as a tourist were some of the travel points.

Howard is preceded in death by his parents Fred and Jeanette Swartz and his siblings Edith Brandt, Rachel Graves, Fred Swartz, Thomas Swartz and daughters Diana Hyle and Tamara Butler.

He is survived by Brenda Swartz his wife of 34 years and daughters Mary Anne Parrish (Edward), Martha Swartz (William) and son Bryan (Elizabeth) and several grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Clinton Swartz, Morris Swartz and James Swartz.

A visitation will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025 from 11:30 AM- 1:00 PM at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven, 4400 Bardstown Rd. Louisville KY 40218. A private Celebration of Life to follow.

A military graveside service will be held at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at Camp Nelson National Cemetery, 6980 Danville Rd. Nicholasville, KY 40356.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Bluegrass Honor Flight.