Howard Swafford, 87, beloved resident of Kewanna, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7 at his residence.

Born November 23, 1927, he was the son of the late Ace and Daisy (Frazier) Swafford. He was raised with two brothers and six sisters in rural Star City. On September 24, 1960, he married Charlotte Joan Hook, she survives.

He was a U.S. Army veteran serving in Korea during 1946-1947.

Howard formerly worked at Moyer Grain in Star City where he retired after 40 years. He drove semi-truck for 10 of those years and was a mechanic for the last 30 years. For years, Howard did mechanic, body work and painting in his garage. He also did lawn mower repair. After retiring in 1990, he and Tom Crissinger owned a race car and ran it for many years at Shady Hill Raceway. That car was his pride and joy, as were his grandchildren, they were the rays of his sunshine.

In the early 1970’s, he and many others help build the V.F.W. #1121 in Kewanna, where he was a life member. He formerly served as Commander and was a former committee member for several offices at the post.

Howard faithfully visited his wife daily. He enjoyed going to the local coffee shop to get the daily scoop and visiting with his friends. He especially loved sitting outside his home playing with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife: Charlotte Swafford, Kewanna; three children: Kenneth (Lori) Swafford, Kewanna; Diana (Franklin) Miner, Logansport and Karen (Loren McCollough) Long, Lakeville; seven grandchildren: Kevin; Brandi (Dan); Nick; Howard (Amanda); Ian; Fayette and Shelby; and seven great grandchildren: Jaden; Jacob; Madison; Aubrey; Jayson; Elijah and Kyle.
He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, one brother and one sister.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 12, at the Harrison-Metzger-Rans Funeral Home, Kewanna Chapel.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 11 at the funeral home.

Burial with Military Rites will be at Grass Creek Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Howard Swafford Memorial Fund in care of the funeral home and/or Disabled Veterans Fund.

Sign the online guest book or leave condolence for the Swafford Family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com