Lewis H. Swindler, 87, of Oklahoma City, passed away November 4, 2009. Upon his death, Lewis was the oldest living retired police officer for Oklahoma City Police Department. He was born April 9, 1922 in Grove, Oklahoma to James and Samantha Blackfox Swindler. A proud member of the Cherokee Nation, Lewis graduated from Chilocco Indian School in 1942, where he was in Golden Gloves from 1940-1942. He was also a student council member and played for the schools football team. Lewis enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served as the 2nd Class Gunner's Mate aboard the U.S.S. Saratoga, an Aircraft Carrier from 1942-1945. During this time, he was awarded 14 Battle Stars. He then served in the Korean Conflict from 1950-1952. Later, he was employed for 21 years with the Oklahoma City Police Department, retiring in 1972. He was a Detective with the Vice Squad for 19 years. After his retirement, he was employed by The District Attorney as an Investigator. He was with the D.A.'s office 14 years and retired in 1986 as Chief Investigator. Some of the awards Lewis received include: Lifetime Territorial U.S. Marshal by Governor Nigh, Commissioned Lifetime Deputy Sherriff by Sherriff J.D. Sharp, Honorary County Commissioner of Oklahoma County, Outstanding Citizenship Award for two years under two governors, Outstanding Retired Officer of the Year in 1985 and 1988, First recipient of the 1981 Outstanding Investigator by the Oklahoma District Attorney's Association. He also won this award in 1982, 1972 Outstanding Investigator by the District Judges of Oklahoma County, Purple Heart from the Fraternal Order of Police as a result of having been shot on June 3, 1954, Special Alumni Award for Outstanding Service in 1989 from Chilocco Indian School Alumni, Chilocco Indian School Hall of Fame, 1994. Lewis served as Chaplain for the Oklahoma Fraternal Order of Police for 16 years, also serving as Chaplain of the Oklahoma City's Lodge #123.

He was preceded in death by:
• His parents, James and Samantha Swindler;
• Son, Jimmy Lee Swindler,
• 3 sisters;
• And 2 brothers.
He is survived by:
• His high school sweetheart, Edna Lee Swindler, loving wife of 66 years;
• Sons, Patrick Allen Swindler and his son Patrick Lewis Swindler; Bobby Wayne Swindler and his children Lucus Wayne Swindler, Brandi Swindler and Britni Swindler;
• Daughter, Dede Bointy-Clayton and husband Billy and their children Joseph Ellis Bointy, Samantha Bointy and Jeromy Clayton;
• 5 great grandchildren;
• And numerous family and friends.