William Clark Swart, Jr., was born in Brownwood, Texas, to William Clark Swart and Lela Mae Vann Swart, on October 31, 1926. He grew up in Christoval, Texas, graduating from high school and joining the United States Navy at 17. On leaving the Navy, he entered Texas Tech University, from which he graduated with a degree in geophysics. In 1950 he began his career with the company then called Standard Oil of Indiana, and he married Helen Camille Conely. The family was blessed with five children, Ruth, Bill, Ed, Sam, and Kate.

Bill Swart was a man of great energy and optimism, devoting himself to his marriage, to a long career as a geophysicist that continued even after his formal retirement, to raising and encouraging his children, and to his many creative avocations. A few of the things that brought him joy were the family farm in Richland Springs, Texas, restoring old cars, and welcoming his children's spouses into the family, then his grandchildren, and eventually great grandchildren.

Bill passed away on July 31, 2016, with family members nearby. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother, Charles Swart, and his wife, Camille. He is survived by his children and their families, including 15 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 pm on Friday, August 5, 2016 with the funeral service to begin at 2 pm at the Klein Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel at 9714 FM 2920, Tomball, TX. Burial will follow at the Klein Memorial Park.