Frank L. Swarthout
Provided by Rhoda Taylor Fone
Below is information sent to me by my nephew, Jerry MacPherson of Missouri.

The following is the obituary for Frank L. Swarthout, born August 20, 1868, died August 17,1945. He was the father of opera singer Gladys Swarthout. This obituary was obtained by Mary MacPherson, former wife of Neil MacPherson, son of Florence Swarthout. The obituary is available in the archives of the El Dorado Springs Sun newspaper in El Dorado Springs, Missouri.

El Dorado Springs, Sunday, August 23, 1945 - Funeral services for Frank L. Swarthout, highly esteemed El Dorado Springs citizen, who died at his home, 209 South Park Street, last Friday evening, August 17, were held at the Christian Church last Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock. Rev. R.A. Blaylock, former pastor, officiating. Burial in the El Dorado Springs cemetery under the direction of the Nafus Funeral Home.

Mr. Swarthout had not enjoyed good health for several years, but had been critically ill only a short time. The son of Ruth Lee and Davenport Swarthout, he was born on a farm in Macon County Mo. August 20, 1868, and was 77 years old. For many years he was a resident of Kansas City, being a Pullman conductor with runs out of that city. He retired in 1929 after serving in that capacity 25 years and shortly afterwards moved to El Dorado Springs where he spent the remainder of his life. He was married November 30, 1933, to Mrs. Virgie Wright of El Dorado Springs, who survives.

Beside his wife he leaves two daughters, Mrs. Gladys Swarthout Chapman, Opera and radio star, who lives in Connecticut, and Mrs. Roma Swarthout, a teacher of dramatics and music in New York. He also leaves a nephew & niece; Mr. & Mrs. Walter Swarthout of Kansas City. Mr. Swarthout was a faithful member of the Christian church, being an active member of that organization since coming to this city. He was a progressive, public-spirited citizen and during his residence in El Dorado Springs, cultivated the friendship of many persons, who sincerely regret the passing of a good neighbor and a true friend.