CJ was born to George and Mary Louise Cinnamon Swyden on March 2, 1931, in Enid, Oklahoma. He was raised in Enid and graduated from Enid High School in 1949.

He went on to join the United States Navy in 1950 where he served our country in Company 347 Platoon 1. After being honorably discharged, he found himself looking to buy a stamp at McCaffree’s Drug Store in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where he first laid eyes on Ruth Swisher. He asked her on a date, she said no, but he came back the next day and asked again and got a yes.

CJ and Ruth were married on September 9, 1955. CJ went on to study at Oklahoma State University where he received his bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1957. Upon graduation, he began a lifelong career in accounting. CJ, Ruth and their two sons moved to Houston where CJ worked for Dowell Division Dow Chemical for nearly 30 years. He retired in 1984, but retirement did not suit him and he furthered his studies to become a tax professional for H&R Block. In 2015, CJ and Ruth moved to their farm in Columbus to be closer to their family.

CJ was an avid marathon runner and participated in many races including the Boston Marathon in 1975. He looked forward to his early Saturday morning breakfast with the guys. He loved tinkering around on his farm, traveling with his pop-up camper and giving his great grandkids many rides in his John Deere gator. He will be remembered for his loud, boisterous laugh that could easily have anyone laughing along too and for his love of a good sunny day outside.

CJ is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Ruth Swyden, son Doug Swyden (Nora) of Columbus, son Gary Swyden of Columbus, his grandchildren, Cody Swyden, of Spring, Courtney Smith (Seth) of Columbus and Amanda Swyden of Waller. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Mitchell Smith, Clark Smith, Patrick Smith and Charlotte Smith and Bronson and Zachery.

He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Louise (Cinnamon) Swyden.

A private graveside service was held on Friday, Feb. 21 at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home in Houston.