Darrel Keith Swafford Sr.,

Darrel Keith Swafford, Sr., beloved husband, father, and grandfather, died Thursday, March 18, 2021, after a too brief battle with cancer. He was 84 years old. Darrel was born June 14, 1936 in Buhler, Kansas to Woodie and Pearl Swafford. After graduating from high school, he attended bible college for two years. Knowing that he was going to be drafted, he decided to enlist in the Navy, his preferred branch of the Armed Forces. Being born on Flag Day made such an impression on his life that he served in the Navy for 22 years on numerous submarines. He retired and was honorably discharged from the Navy as a Master Chief E9. He went on to work at Purvis Controls and Fisher Controls before going back to complete his first choice of careers, being a preacher. He shared his love of God with several churches in Iowa, Missouri, and Arkansas for over 20 years and was always willing to “fill in” for other preachers after he retired. Darrel met and married his wife, Betty Ann Wingo, after he had enlisted in the Navy. They were married on April 20, 1963. Betty and their two children, Lisa and Darrel, Jr. did a fantastic job of keeping the “home fires burning” while Darrel was at sea on his tours of duty. When they could spend time together as a family, they enjoyed traveling around the country in their camper. Darrel’s adventures and traveling in the Navy carried over to his personal life and he and Betty enjoyed exploring all over the world. He loved his family, lighthouses, Civil War history and dogs. They visited as many lighthouses and battlefields that they could, all over the country, with a dog as a copilot. Darrel and Betty also enjoyed their annual vacations with Darrel Jr, daughter-in-law Linda, and grandson Alex. It was always the highlight of the summer! He loved playing cards with his friends and would even win once in a while! Darrel is survived by his wife Betty, Darrel Jr, Linda, and Alex Swafford, sisters Mary Sallee and Patsy Jo (Tom) Shanks and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by Woodie and Pearl Swafford and daughter Lisa. Visitation will be held on March 22nd from 9:00 to 11:00AM at Allee-Holman Howe Funeral Home, 15 Clint Avenue, Camdenton, Missouri 65020. Graveside services will take place at 2:00PM at Missouri’s Veterans’ Cemetery, Fort Leonard Wood, Waynesville, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project and left with or mailed to the funeral home.