Obituary for Franklin E. Swafford
Franklin E. Swafford got his promotion on February 10, 2023, after a 2-year battle with lung disease, he left this Earth with his loving family surrounding him. He was born to Archie E. and Viola (Wright) Swafford on June 5, 1940.
Frank was a bit of a wild child and due to unfortunate circumstances he chose to join the Armed Forces in the branch of the Army, but it was a choice he didn’t regret and served in Germany for 3 years. After returning home from deployment, a representative for the VFW came to the small town of Gosport and said that if they didn’t do something they would lose their charter. So Frank, with the help of some friends and family, went to work on the vacant building that had once been a gas station and thus Gosport had a VFW and a Commander. Frank served as Commander for the year 1973 and 1974 at Post 7850. He was a life member of the VFW and a member of the American Legion Burton Woolery Post.
Frank is survived by his loving wife Vicki (Hardy) Swafford of 30 years; daughters Nina Walker (David) and Lorna Tatum (Johnny); 6 grandchildren Jeremy Harris (Jessica), Tausha Martin, Jackie Harris, Brandi Bruner, Jared Bruner and Jeremey (JD) Walker; 7 great-grandchildren Sonja Parrot, Trey Parrot, Thomas Mack, DeAngelo Bruner, Desmond Bruner, Xander Bruner and Amaiah Bruner; siblings Noah Swafford, Martha (Swafford) Pruett, Mary (Swafford) Lopossa (Ben), Rick Swafford (Diana), Phyllis (Swafford) Beach and many nieces and nephews.
Frank’s work history included Stokely VanCamp, Matthew’s Stone Quarry, RCA and Greene Dental Lab which brought him many friends and acquaintances that he treasured.
Frank had several hobbies. He was a member of the Bloomington Archery Club and he recalled several stories to family members about being in shooting competitions such as turkey shoots, 3D target competition, indoor shoots, etc. He enjoyed watching IU sports, especially basketball, and watching the Chicago Bears (but had no choice on that matter, because of his wife being an avid Bears fan). He enjoyed golfing with his wife. Several Family members have prized possessions of his woodworking skills. For a short time Frank enjoyed spoiling the neighbor’s dog, Skylar, by feeding him things he probably shouldn’t have: giving him snacks, treats and playing with him at the edge of the yard. The feeling was mutual: Skylar knew that when Frank was outside and would just watch him do his yard work he always knew he would get a treat. Probably one of the most loved hobbies was taking care of his yard. He loved to mow and make sure he had a good-looking yard.
In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by sister Sally Swafford, brother-in-law Junior Pruett, brother-in-law Russell Beach and sister-in-law Sharon Swafford.
The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff who cared for him during his most recent illness at IU Regional Academic Hospital.
A visitation will be held for Frank on Tuesday February 14 from 4-8 PM at The Funeral Chapel of Powell and Deckard. An additional visitation will take place at The Funeral Chapel on Wednesday February 15 from 10 AM-1 PM, followed immediately by a funeral service and committal at Valhalla Memory Gardens. Military rites will be performed by the Monroe County Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Monroe County Honor Guard or to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. To share memories and condolences with the family, please visit thefuneralchapel.net.
Frank had a life well-lived, a loving heart, and will be a lasting legacy to us all.
Frank was a bit of a wild child and due to unfortunate circumstances he chose to join the Armed Forces in the branch of the Army, but it was a choice he didn’t regret and served in Germany for 3 years. After returning home from deployment, a representative for the VFW came to the small town of Gosport and said that if they didn’t do something they would lose their charter. So Frank, with the help of some friends and family, went to work on the vacant building that had once been a gas station and thus Gosport had a VFW and a Commander. Frank served as Commander for the year 1973 and 1974 at Post 7850. He was a life member of the VFW and a member of the American Legion Burton Woolery Post.
Frank is survived by his loving wife Vicki (Hardy) Swafford of 30 years; daughters Nina Walker (David) and Lorna Tatum (Johnny); 6 grandchildren Jeremy Harris (Jessica), Tausha Martin, Jackie Harris, Brandi Bruner, Jared Bruner and Jeremey (JD) Walker; 7 great-grandchildren Sonja Parrot, Trey Parrot, Thomas Mack, DeAngelo Bruner, Desmond Bruner, Xander Bruner and Amaiah Bruner; siblings Noah Swafford, Martha (Swafford) Pruett, Mary (Swafford) Lopossa (Ben), Rick Swafford (Diana), Phyllis (Swafford) Beach and many nieces and nephews.
Frank’s work history included Stokely VanCamp, Matthew’s Stone Quarry, RCA and Greene Dental Lab which brought him many friends and acquaintances that he treasured.
Frank had several hobbies. He was a member of the Bloomington Archery Club and he recalled several stories to family members about being in shooting competitions such as turkey shoots, 3D target competition, indoor shoots, etc. He enjoyed watching IU sports, especially basketball, and watching the Chicago Bears (but had no choice on that matter, because of his wife being an avid Bears fan). He enjoyed golfing with his wife. Several Family members have prized possessions of his woodworking skills. For a short time Frank enjoyed spoiling the neighbor’s dog, Skylar, by feeding him things he probably shouldn’t have: giving him snacks, treats and playing with him at the edge of the yard. The feeling was mutual: Skylar knew that when Frank was outside and would just watch him do his yard work he always knew he would get a treat. Probably one of the most loved hobbies was taking care of his yard. He loved to mow and make sure he had a good-looking yard.
In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by sister Sally Swafford, brother-in-law Junior Pruett, brother-in-law Russell Beach and sister-in-law Sharon Swafford.
The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff who cared for him during his most recent illness at IU Regional Academic Hospital.
A visitation will be held for Frank on Tuesday February 14 from 4-8 PM at The Funeral Chapel of Powell and Deckard. An additional visitation will take place at The Funeral Chapel on Wednesday February 15 from 10 AM-1 PM, followed immediately by a funeral service and committal at Valhalla Memory Gardens. Military rites will be performed by the Monroe County Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Monroe County Honor Guard or to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. To share memories and condolences with the family, please visit thefuneralchapel.net.
Frank had a life well-lived, a loving heart, and will be a lasting legacy to us all.