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Jack Herbert Swafford, Overland Park, Kansas, passed away on July 16, 2014 from lung disease complications. He was born in Ft. Scott, Kansas on November 13, 1930, son of Ernest and Bertha Swafford. After one year at Ft. Scott Jr. College, he transferred to Kansas State University where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, and graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He joined the Bendix Kansas City division as a project engineer in the defense industry. During the Korean war he served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, returning to Bendix to spend 37 more years in project and engineering management. He served as President of the 800-member Bendix Management Club. Along the way, he earned his Masters degrees in Business and Engineering. After retirement, he worked as a consultant and adjunct professor in Quality Management at several local MBA programs. In 1961, Jack married the love of his life, Mary Lynn Stafford, and celebrated 53 years of marriage this year . They have been involved with "Casa Loma," a bi-monthly dinner group of friends from their Kansas City Plaza days. Jack had a variety of interests. He was involved in music starting in high school, then playing in the KSU marching band, and helped put himself through school playing gigs on the clarinet and saxophone. Most recently he played eight years with the Overland Park Civic Band, "The Little Big Band," and several swing bands which played at retirement homes. He was interested in trains, as he was raised in a three-railroad town and his father was a long-time Frisco telegrapher. Jack constructed wooden model locomotives, wrote published articles on elementary transportation and was an active member of the Sports Car Club of America. He collected stamps and published numerous articles on topical stamp collecting. Jack gave much of himself to others through volunteer work: Meals on Wheels; St. Joseph Hospital; numerous leadership positions within the Episcopal Church and Episcopal Social Services and as an Ombudsman for the State Dept. of Aging. He was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church in Overland Park and conducted Bible study sessions for over 30 years. He completed the Education For Ministry program through the School of Theology, The University of the South. He was a member of the Rotary Club and worked on a number of projects and received a number of awards. As a Boy Scout Troop Master he helped numerous young men earn their Eagle award. He leaves his beloved wife, Mary Lynn, daughter Susan Smithburg and her husband Don of Nolensville, TN, daughter Anne Fisher and husband Frank of Stilwell, KS, son Tom Swafford and wife Maggie of Castle Rock, CO, and 8 grandchildren. He imparted his deep faith in Christ to his children, his friends and those in whom he came in contact. He'll be remembered for his laughter and smile and fun, creative stories and jokes. Visitation will be at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Overland Park, Wednesday July 23rd from 7 to 8:30 PM and the funeral on Thursday at 10 AM at the church, with reception following. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the church or the charity of your choice. (Arr: Cremation Society of KS & MO, 8837 Roe Avenue, Prairie Village,KS (913- 383-9888) C
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Thinking of the family todayI sure miss my folks, Love- Shannon Slagg
Shannon Slagg
Friend
July 14, 2020
Thinking of Jack today and good friends of our family
Shannon Slagg
Friend
July 14, 2019
My most sincere condolences to your family. Susan, I remember many instances when you shared stories about your dad. I know he adored you. May your memories comfort you in the days ahead.
May God bless and comfort you all!
Suzanne Hagen
July 28, 2014
My thoughts and prayers to all of you, I am so sorry I just found out - he was such an inspirational man - love you all
Brenda Schmidt
July 27, 2014
My love and prayers for the Swafford family. I have many wonderful memories from my childhood that were made with the Swafford family. I look forward to reuniting and celebrating when we all get to heaven. Kelly Pfeifer Smith
Kelly Pfeifer Smith
July 24, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Jack was a lovely man. You are in my prayers.
Ann Franklin
July 23, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Swafford family during your time of grief. Jack was a very kind and loving man. He will be greatly missed.
Kyle, Dana, and Casey Horne
July 23, 2014
My dear Annie ...Loved getting to know your father more thru his obituary. What an amazing man he is to so many!
Kathy Richman
July 21, 2014
Susan & Don, I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. May the peace that comes from the memories of loved shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead.
--Kimberly Clark, QHR
Kimberly Clark
July 21, 2014
I have very fond memories of the Swaffords growing up, all very important to the Slagg family! God Bless our thoughts are with you all, Love Shannon and Scott
Shannon, Scott Slagg
July 20, 2014
I am grateful for the life of Mr. Swafford. Thanks to his service and to the service of others in our armed forces, my family and I have been able to lead our lives in freedom and peace.
Bob
July 20, 2014
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Cremation Society of Kansas & Missouri - Prairie Village8837 Roe Avenue, Prairie Village, KS 66207
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