Charles "Charlie" Edward Swan, Sr.

Charles “Charlie” Edward Swan, Sr., 91, passed away on January 9, 2023.  Charlie was a nationally acclaimed, award-winning artist with a career spanning over 70 years.  He created over a thousand portraits, still lifes, cartoons, murals, and his signature caricature paintings which reside in the homes and offices of dignitaries, officials, and NASA pioneers. In his later years, he became legally blind, yet still continued creating works of art for all to enjoy until his death. 

While serving in the USAF during the Korean war, Swan attained a 3rd-degree black belt in judo from the prestigious Kodokan in Japan.  He continued his art career with NASA at Stennis Space Center for over 35 years. He was honored by NASA in 2016 for his contributions to the space program including creating the “Gator” mascot for Stennis Space Center.  He served the community as president of the Mobile Art Association and on the board of directors for the Mobile Museum of Art.

Charlie Swan spent his lifetime entertaining us with his extraordinary talents and wit.  He guided our lives with gentle love, loyalty, and laughter.  He celebrated every accomplishment of his wife and children. We will always remember him as a kind, loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He will be forever in our hearts, and his memory will live on through the many lives he touched and his art for generations to come.

Charles is survived by his wife of 47 years, Nancy Swan (Mobile, AL); their children, Thomas Swan (Collierville, TN) and Brandon Swan (Mobile, AL); his children, Chuck Swan (North Richland Hills, TX), Robin Swan (Wylie, TX), and Mike Swan (West Hollywood, CA); 7 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; his sister, Wanda Lott (Hattiesburg, MS); and his brother, Randy Swan (Hattiesburg, MS). He is preceded in death by his parents, Jimmy and Grace Swan (Hattiesburg, MS).

 A procession will leave at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 19, 2023 from Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home in Biloxi, MS for a graveside service at the Biloxi National Cemetery at 11:00 a.m.

Cards and donations may be sent to Nancy Swan, 582 Summerlake Dr E, Mobile, AL 36608.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Charles “Charlie” Edward Swan, Sr.