Leonard “Lenny” Swartz

Leonard “Lenny” Swartz, 98, of Beaumont, died peacefully October 30th in his own bed just as he always wanted to. He was born on April 17th, 1919 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Bessie Fishbein Swartz and Sam Swartz. Leonard had one sister Helen Rosen.

Leonard lived in Philadelphia until 1930 when the Great Depression caused his family to move to Atlantic City for a chance to make a better livelihood. Leonard graduated Atlantic City High School in 1936 and then worked on the Steel Pier as a life guard in Atlantic City. He later moved back to Philadelphia where he lived until December of 1941. When World War II broke out, he immediately enlisted in the army and was sent to Officers Candidate School in Ft. Jackson, South Carolina. After becoming an officer, he was next stationed at Camp Polk, in Deridder, Louisiana. It was while he was stationed at Camp Polk that Leonard came to Beaumont on leave and met Marie “Mongie” Eisen. After a courtship, they were married on March 28th, 1943.   This marriage lasted over 74 years. Mongie died August 10th, just 10 weeks ago.  

After they married, Leonard and Mongie lived in Deridder until he was sent to Ft. Ord California for training before being shipped out to fight in the Pacific. He was a captain in the 536th Amphibious Tank Battalion that played a key role in the important large Battle of Leyte Gulf that began the invasion of the Philippine Islands. After this pivotal battle, Leonard and the 536th were part of the invasion of Okinawa. It was during this invasion, that Leonard was severely wounded and received his battlefield recognition.

When the war ended, Leonard left the military as a Major returning to civilian life in Beaumont.   He was in the produce business, first working for his father-in-law Harry Eisen and then established his own produce business. Leonard was active in the American Legion, Jewish War Veterans and the Masons. He and Mongie had two sons, Gary and Bruce. As his sons grew older, he encouraged them to be Cub Scouts and later Boy Scouts. He became a beloved Boy Scout leader of their scout troop. 

Leonard always set the example for his sons by working very hard and often volunteering at his synagogue and other community activities.

After his retirement Leonard enjoyed caring for the beautiful camellias in the gardens around his home and watching his favorite football team, America’s team, the Dallas Cowboys.

Leonard was blessed with grandchildren, Hershel Swartz and his wife Dr. Sarah Swartz; and Rachel Toubin and her husband, Andrew. The most precious things that Leonard leaves behind are his great-grandchildren, Sam and Peri Lynn Toubin, Hannah, Byer and Sydney Swartz. He loved them all dearly. He also leaves behind numerous beloved nephews and one niece.

A funeral service for Mr. Swartz will be held 11:00 am, Friday, November 3, 2017, at Temple Emanuel, 1120 Broadway Street, Beaumont, Texas, with his interment with military honors to follow at Kol Israel Cemetery, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to Temple Emanuel, 1120 Broadway, Beaumont, Texas 77701 or to Beth Yeshurun Day School, 4525 Beechnut Blvd., Houston, Texas 77096.