Swaim, Robert Lee
8-1-2021
Robert Swaim, 85, was born on August 7, 1935, in Rensselaer, IN, to Maurice Lee Swaim and Viola Nina (Houston) Swaim and passed away on August 1, 2021, in Oklahoma City, OK. Bob was valedictorian of his 1953 high school graduating class at Rensselaer Central High School. He received his bachelor's degree in 1957 and master's degree in 1959, both from Purdue University, where he majored in aeronautical engineering. His Ph.D. was awarded by The Ohio State University in 1966 where he majored in electrical engineering. On February 13, 1960, he and Wanda "Charlene" Wasson were married. To this union, three children were born: Greg Swaim (Paula), Suzy Roderick (Jason), and Debby Swaim. Bob took flight training at Webb AFB in Big Spring, TX. Bob was a US Air Force Lieutenant from 1959-1962, serving as a senior engineer and group leader at the Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory at Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio from 1962-1967. In addition, he was associate professor, professor, and associate head, School of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue University from 1967-1978. In addition, he was associate dean, College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology at Oklahoma State University from 1978-1987 and was professor of mechancial and aerospace engineering from 1978-1992. He also served as associate dean and professor emeritus in 1992. Bob was also a long-time member of several notable associations, including the American Institute of Aeronautic and Astronautics and the American Society for Engineering Education. He was also a registered engineering in both Ohio and Oklahoma. In addition, he was a commercial pilot with instrument and multi-engine FFA ratings as well as a FAA Certified Flight Instructor for Airplanes and Instruments, and FAA Certified Advanced and Instrument Ground Instructor. During his career, Bob was inducted into the Rensselaer High School Hall of Fame in 1999, Tau Kappa Epsilon National Hall of Fame in 1986, and the TKE Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2005. In addition, he was selected as the Purdue University ROTC Hall of Fame recipient in 2005. Bob received a number of professional awards and citations as well as was granted membership in a number of honor societies. He was also listed in a number of Who's Who publications. Bob served as president of the OSU Emeriti Association during 2007. He is survived by his wife, his three children and their spouses as well as by seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, in addition to several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Carol Ann Swaim Spall, as well as by two brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law.