William Steven Swan passed away Tuesday

© Courtesy Hubbard Cowboy Church

HUBBARD, TX–MARCH 29, 2024–Longtime rancher William Steven Swan, 76, of Hubbard, Texas and Newell, South Dakota passed away Tuesday, March 26. A service will be held Saturday, March 30, at 6:00 p.m. (CDT) at the Hubbard Cowboy Church in Hubbard, Texas. Another service will be held in South Dakota later.

Steve was born September 20, 1947, in Denver, Colorado, to Bill and Wilma Swan.

The family spent time in Louisiana before moving to a ranch near Newell, South Dakota in 1949.

He was the eldest of six siblings and growing up took his ornery, oldest brother role seriously, sometimes to the chagrin of his younger siblings.

Steve graduated from Newell High School in 1965 then attended Kansas State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science. Drafted into the Army in 1970, he trained as a medic and then became a fleet manager before his honorable discharge in 1971.

After the Army, he started his master’s degree in ruminant nutrition at South Dakota State University. It was at SDSU that he met his wife, Billie Hunter, when they were introduced by his sister, Kathy. They married in April 1973 and had three kids, Tracy, Amy, and Nicole.

Steve and Billie lived in Faith, Lemmon, and various places in the area before settling down on a small ranch outside Newell. He was a part of the Newell community for over 60 years and spent time as an active 4-H leader and church deacon.

Looking for a climate friendlier than South Dakota’s and to be closer to grandkids, he and Billie moved to Texas in 2010-2011.

He joined the Hubbard Cowboy Church where he was a church elder and enjoyed being a part of its growth. He lived his faith and values and never missed his morning Bible study, getting up however early was necessary to fit it in. He grew up a cowboy and remained a cowboy his entire life.

In his younger years, he calf roped, team roped, and hazed for his brother-in-law, Bob.

Steve raised Quarter Horses that were raced on tracks in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wyoming, including 2002 SDQHRA Bred Futurity Champion, Dr Meter Reader. He always enjoyed springtime when his mares foaled.

He attempted to instill his cowboy ways in all his kids, making sure they had riding horses and taking them with him to horse sales and rodeos and to check cattle in far flung ranch pastures.

Steve was proud to win a team penning event with his son, Tracy, and grandson, Liam, in 2019.

Steve and his wife, Billie, did essentially everything together for over fifty years- a life of kids, grandkids, homebuilding, riding, traveling, and raising horses. A quiet extrovert, he loved when everyone was around. He loved sitting with his siblings and cousins telling stories and listening to stories.

Steve loved a road trip to see the country. He enjoyed attending all his grandkids’ rodeo, sports, and school events. Ever a rancher, he always knew the weather forecast where people he knew and loved lived. He made great apple cinnamon pancakes and banana ice cream. He is leaving a big hole that can’t be filled and will be greatly missed.

Hubbard served the Hubbard Cowboy Church in many ways over the years including being an elder, working in the arena and volunteering for many events. His kind heart and smile welcomed everyone on Sundays.

What a day of rejoicing it must be for God to have one of his beloved children home. Please pray for the Swan family as they prepare to celebrate Steve's life surrounded by friends and family.

Steve is survived by his wife, Billie; son, Tracy (Dusti) Swan; daughters, Amy and Nicole Swan; grandkids, Darbi, Liam, and Hayes Swan; sisters, Kathy Burke, Linda Swan, and Jan Swan Wood; brother, Bob (Christy) Swan; eight nieces and nephews; and many great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents; parents, Bill and Wilma Swan; brother, David Swan; and brother-in-law, Bob Burke.