Henry Athol Swann was born July 16, 1929, in Charles County, Maryland, to Henry Swann and Rosa Thomas. After his father's early passing, his mother remarried John Slater, Sr., and Henry enjoyed his role as the eldest and mentor of their nine children. He was educated in the Charles County school system and was a proud alum of Pomonkey High School.

Upon graduation, Henry enlisted in the then US Army Air Force (later evolving as the US Air Force), where he served with honor for 29 years, retiring at the rank of Master Sergeant. He was a veteran of both the Korean and Viet Nam wars. During his lengthy military service, his travels took him all over the world, including Springfield, Massachusetts, where he met his bride of 63 years, Marion Freeman. Together they raised their seven children in the military life they enjoyed, traveling with them all over the world including Japan, Germany, and Panama.

Henry Swann was the true patriarch of the Swann family. His six sons and one daughter were his pride and joy, and he was their strong supporter in school sports and activities where they all excelled. He was always a starch advocate for family, with a passion for family gatherings especially reunions. Upon military retirement, he continued service in the community through his active membership in the Combined Military Retirees Association for over 30 years. Henry Swann was baptized at an early age and later joined Ebenezer AME Church in Ft. Washington, Maryland, in 1988, where he served in the Finance/Counting and Men's Ministries.

In his post retirement season, he worked several private contracting positions including an assignment at the Naval Air Systems Command in Crystal City. It was an honor to know Big Henry, as he was lovingly known to his large family of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, or just to be in his presence when he bestowed his vast wisdom and life experiences.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marion Swann , his parents Rosa and John Slater, and Henry Swann and sisters Lyvette Pinkett and Ann Coles, brothers John Slater, Jr. "Johnnie Boy" and Frank Slater, and finally sons Henry Jr., Gary, Eric and Jeffrey. He is survived by sons Ronald (Wanza) and William (Patrice), his only daughter Candace (Horace) and daughter-in-law Beverly, together with grans Glynis, Glynda, Henry III (Anika), Bryan (Vonetta), Ryan (Adrienne), Shauna, Gary Jr., Horace, Hassan, Jessica and D'Ante and great grands Janaya, Eva, Sierra, Ania, Kimora, Gabriel, Bryan II, Olivia, Kynnedy, Bryce, Henry IV, Ryan II, Ari, Austin, Princeton. He was also loved and will be deeply
missed by his brothers James, Melvin and Levi Slater (Deborah), sister Rosella Martin and other sisters-in-law Ruth Mann, Frances Slater and Paula Oliver, along with countless nieces, nephews and cousins, including the Slater, Freeman, Lee, and Thomas Families, and a vast host of friends and neighbors.

His absence from this world leaves a deep sense of longing in our hearts, but the impact of his remarkable 95 years will continue to inspire and comfort us for the rest of our lives.

We love you Dad, Grandpa, PopPop ❤

His Viewing will be, 10:00 am until time of Service, 11:00 am, Thursday, May 22, 2025, Ebenezer AME Church, 7707 Allentown Road, Fort Washington, Maryland 20744.

Interment,  Monday, June 16, 2025, at 1:00 pm, Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, Maryland 20623.