Chester William Swift, retired from military

Chester William Swift, “Chet” to his friends, was killed while intervening to save a woman and her son from her attackers in Bastrop County, Texas.  He was born March 3, 1955, to the late William Everian and Nellie Ola Swift in Salisbury, Md., and grew up in Selbyville.

He graduated from Indian River High School in 1973, and went on to serve a full career in the U.S. Air Force, as a law enforcement specialist, and military working dog specialist.  He held a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Southern New Hampshire University.  During his military career, he served overseas for 10 years.  True to his military and law enforcement training, he gave his life while successfully saving others.  

Chet is survived by his sister, Susan Lynch and husband William (“Tad”) of Milford,  several children and grandchildren, and many friends.  

A chapel service, officiated by the Rev. Dr. James Van Der Wall will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 13, at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro.  Due to the COVID-19 restrictions and space limitation, the service will be private and attendance by invitation only.  Full Air Force honors will be conferred.  His special friend and fellow veteran Corey Davis will accompany his remains, and interment follows in the Veterans Cemetery.

Electronic condolences to: www.watsonfh.com