Donald "Toby" Dee Swearingen

Donald “Toby” Dee Swearingen, a lifelong Seminole resident, passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025, in Seminole, Oklahoma, at the age of 77. Toby was born on October 11, 1947, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to David Lester Swearingen II and Alpha Belle (Chambers) Swearingen. He grew up in Seminole, where he graduated from Seminole High School in 1964. He made lasting friendships and great memories at Seminole High, and was always proud to be a Chieftain.

Toby furthered his education at East Central University, where he earned a golf scholarship and played collegiate golf for ECU — a game he continued to enjoy throughout his life, sharing many of his best and wildest times on the course with friends. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1968.

After college, Toby settled back in Seminole and built his life on a special piece of land where he raised cattle. He loved working the land, tending the pastures, driving his tractor, and welcoming new calves each season. He was a longtime member of the Elks Lodge and served faithfully on the Seminole Chieftains High School Football Chain Gang for over 40 years.

Toby had a remarkable career as a carpenter. In the 1970s, he founded Tobias Construction, painting, remodeling, and helping make countless homes and businesses in Seminole and the surrounding area more beautiful. His brilliant craftsmanship, hard work, and friendly spirit left a lasting mark on the community he loved. In his later years as a carpenter, Toby was joined by a series of hardworking young men—often local athletes—who became more than just helpers on the job. Their energy and dedication not only extended his career but also enriched his life with lasting friendships. Above all, Toby was a loving son, father, brother, uncle, husband, and friend. He had a gentle, happy soul, always quick with a smile and ready to help anyone who needed him.

His greatest pride and joy was his son, Jacob. Toby was a devoted and involved father — whether it was helping coach Little League baseball, cheering from the stands at every soccer, basketball, or football game, or proudly bragging on Jacob’s accomplishments at every opportunity. He also loved OU sports, Thunder basketball, good movies, good food, and “listening” to music while working on job sites — a soundtrack to his life well lived.

Toby married Kellye Bryant in 1999 in Las Vegas, Nevada, surrounded by more than 30 family and friends who traveled to celebrate with them. During their 18 years of marriage, they welcomed their beloved son, Jacob Seth Swearingen.

Toby is survived by his son, Jacob Swearingen of Seminole, Oklahoma; his brother, Thomas Swearingen and sister-in-law, Esperanza Swearingen, of Shawnee, Oklahoma; his sisters, Nancy Villines and brother-in-law, John Villines, and Linda Swearingen, both of Seminole, Oklahoma; sister-in-law, Linda Beth Swearingen; special nieces and nephews, Matt Villines, Alea Swearingen, Oz Mitchell, Justin Mitchell, and great nephews Finn, Drake, and Tino.

Toby was preceded in death by his mother, Alpha Belle Swearingen; his father, David Lester Swearingen II; his brother, David Lester Swearingen III; and his nephew, David Sean Swearingen.

Viewing will be held Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, May 2, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at First Methodist Church in Seminole.