Frederick Eugene Swanson, Sr.

Frederick Eugene Swanson, Sr., age 91, returned home to his heavenly father on February 28, 2022. He was the tenth of ten children born to Benjamin and Pearl Swanson on June 2, 1930, in Danville, Virginia. He was baptized 80 years ago at High Street Baptist Church, where he was a lifetime member. He was a graduate of John Mercer Langston High School and Virginia State University, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and a veteran of the U.S. Army. He and his bride Esther moved to Columbus in 1953 where he joined Saint Philip Evangelical Lutheran Church as an associate member. Frederick retired from the City of Columbus as Chief Land Acquisition Officer in the City Attorney’s office and was a real estate broker doing business as FESCO Realty until recent months.

Frederick was predeceased by his parents; eight siblings; his wife of 68 years, Esther; and his son, Frederick, Jr. He is survived by his brother Carroll Swanson; his daughters, Lisa Reaves, Tracy Swanson, Gloria (Roderick) Frazier, and Alethia (Russell) Garrett; his grandchildren, Erica Reaves, Leah Jennings, Jeffrey Frazier, Alison (Justin) Glass, Robyn Frazier, Alan (Jennifer) Garrett, Brian (Justyn) Garrett, and Stacey Garrett; and five great-grandchildren. Sisters-in-law Cleatis Swanson and Betty Swanson also survive him. Frederick was blessed to have the love and support of his adopted sons, James (Dawn) Morton, Frank (Karyn) Harris, and Jerry (Deedra) Minter. Frederick was also treasured by his nieces, nephews, cousins, step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, friends, business associates and caregivers.

The family will celebrate Frederick’s life on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at Saint Philip Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1506 E. Long St., Columbus, Ohio 43203, with visitation from 9 to 11am, immediately followed by the memorial service. MASKS ARE REQUIRED. Join via ZOOM Video Link: https://zoom.us/j/5796394171?pwd=WFEwdHBaNHRuZHY5NjVzTXhFWXlyQT09  Password: 1506SPLC or Phone number: 1-646-558-8656/Meeting ID: 579 639 4171  Password:435240

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Frederick’s memory to Central Ohio Diabetes Association (www.lifecarealliance.org/programs/coda);  American Heart Association (www.americanheart.org); High Street Baptist Church (Swanson Annex Fund), 630 High St., Danville, Virginia 24541; or Saint Philip Evangelical Lutheran Church (Cross Fund) 1506 E. Long St., Columbus, Ohio 43203. Arrangements have been entrusted to Smoot Funeral Services, 4019 E. Livingston Ave. Columbus, Ohio 43227 (www.smootfuneral.com) , M.L. Smoot, Director, 614-444-1GOD(463).

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