07/26/2025
Paul Allen Swasko, whose life radiated joy, gratitude, and unwavering love, transcended this earthly plane on July 20, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family.
Born in Minneapolis, MN on June 17, 1948, to Rev. Milan and Jane Fijal Swasko, Paul grew up in Northlake, IL with three brothers and one sister, the greatest playmates. Childhood was full of creek hockey and deep conversations, faith and family—gifts that shaped the rest of his life. From his father, a Lutheran minister, Paul inherited a deep commitment to service and life-long learning; from his mother, a joyful devotion to family and love of the arts. Paul graduated from West Leyden High School and Carthage College, and later, the University of Arizona and UT Arlington.
Paul met the woman who made his world whole, Betty Ann Birdwell, during study abroad with World Campus Afloat. During a light show at the Acropolis, he offered her his coat and made her laugh, and never stopped showing up for her after that. They married on August 21, 1971, and built a life of purpose, adventure and devotion. At every bend in the road, they turned together.
After getting Masters degrees in Spanish and Social Work, Paul began working with the Department of Human Services that brought him to Paris, TX in 1975. Over the following years, Paul and Betty enjoyed a “back to the land” phase in Oklahoma. At the joyous births of their 2 precious daughters, the family relocated to Paris to be closer to community. Paul then spent over thirty years at CHRISTUS St. Joseph’s Health System in many roles, including Director of Social Services, Director of Advocacy, CEO of St. Joseph’s Community Foundation, and System Philanthropy Director for CHRISTUS Health. Titles shifted, but his mission never did: serve with compassion and humor, championing the worth of every life.
Paul was passionate about serving his community. Whether helping launch Keep Paris Beautiful, serving as chairman of Lamar County Chamber of Commerce (during which Paris was named “Best Small Town in Texas”), leading a Rotary exchange to India, or leading the youth group and singing in the choir at Holy Cross Episcopal Church, Paul gave time and talents generously. He served as President or on the Board of: Greater Paris Rotary Club, United Way, Salvation Army, Paris Living Community, RSVP, Lamar County Council of Community Services, Paris Jr. College Foundation Advisory Board, Lamar County Coalition of Education, and Leadership Lamar County. He founded the first hospice in Lamar County and a medical mission partnership in Oaxaca, Mexico.
He was awarded The National Association of Social Workers Lifetime Achievement Award, the Texas Governor’s Award for Achievement, and multiple Rotary Paul Harris Fellowships. He was driven by a desire to give back some of what had been given to him, and loved serving people.
To his family, Paul was a source of endless joy and laughter: turning salt shakers into games at restaurants, belting out invented lyrics with dramatic vibrato, building backyard bike washes with ladder and hose, making-up trampoline games and giving tractor rides. He brought magic to ordinary days, and made them laugh (and laugh, and laugh).
Paul shared his love of nature and exploration with them, hiking mountain trails, paddling desert canyons, carving trails into the woods beside his house, stargazing under Texas skies. As an amateur astronomer, he hosted “star parties,” guiding others through the constellations and showing them life’s vast beauty. He loved learning and birds and opening Christmas presents early. Paul taught his daughters to see the Divine in every face, stay open-hearted and curious, to meet each person as a teacher.
He taught them who God is, through endless love. Because he was unconditionally loving, forgiving, and present, they knew a God who was, too. His spirituality was expansive, humble, and inclusive. Once when his daughters were teenagers, he planted winter rye grass seed to spell out the word “LOVE” in huge bright green letters in their front yard, surprising them all in the middle of winter. Always, he made Love grow.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Betty; daughters Laura (Brian Rhea) and Kristi Swasko; precious grandchildren Clara, Charlotte, Shepard, and Booker; his brother David and wife Trish, who lovingly helped care for him in his final months; his sister Jane Wolf (Tim); and many nieces, nephews, and extended family who made his life so much richer.
Paul and Betty recently moved to Berthoud, Colorado, to be closer to family. They will hold a private memorial service there. In lieu of flowers, Paul requested you have a pizza party and share stories with those you love, and any donations in his memory be given to an organization meaningful to you.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com for the Swasko family.
