Gordon L. Swafford

Gordon L. Swafford, age 50, of Martinsville, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly on July 9th, 2025, at his residence. He was born on Thursday, January 30th, 1975, in Biloxi, Mississippi, to the late Gordon L. Hiney Jr. and Jacquilin Louise "Jackie" (Swafford) Gray.

In loving memory of Gordon, who departed this world likely holding a cold beer in one hand and a bottle of hot sauce in the other – just the way he liked it. He was a man of few words, but deep character, the kind of guy who preferred the company of his loyal dog Ragnar to most people – and honestly, Ragnar agreed.

An unapologetic introvert with a wicked sense of humor and a tendency to speak his mind (whether you wanted him to or not), Gordon had a heart big enough to carry the weight of other's burdens...though he'd never let you make a big deal out of it. He helped more than he'd ever admit – quietly, sincerely, and without the need for recognition. That was just who he was. Behind that gruff exterior and those sarcastic comebacks was a man who gave a damn when it counted.

He was married to the love of his life, Deanna, who somehow matched his sarcasm with grace and his stubbornness with endless warmth and patience. Together they shared a bond built on true friendship, laughter, eye rolls and love that didn't need many words.

Ragnar was never far from his side and surely already misses the Moto rides, leftover scraps and noggin rubs.

He loved nature and cultivated not only a flourishing garden, but a life rich with purpose and character. He had a particular love for beekeeping and had also become quite the herbalist in recent years.

Gordon's younger years were spent in Pendleton and Anderson, Indiana, where he graduated from the Pendleton Heights High School in 1993. He later earned a bachelor's degree in International Business from Ball State University.

He had been employed for the past year by the Department of Veterans Affairs as a fiduciary accountant and was previously employed by Ricoh USA for approximately ten years, working as an IT technician. Gordon was also an active member of the Civilian Crisis Response Team and Hives for Heros.

He leaves behind a host of family and friends including his wife, Deanna M. (Ashley) Swafford of Martinsville, IN; whom he married on October 31st, 2012; two step children, Carson Ashley of Bloomington, IN, and Felix Ashley-Yazell of Greenfield, IN; two step brothers, Nathan (Brandy) Gray and Timothy (Carrie) Gray both of Indianapolis; half-sister, Erin (Chad) Rasmussen of North Carolina; a very special uncle, Troy (Kim) Swafford of Anderson, IN; step-mother, Cynthia Hiney of North Carolina; two brothers-in-law, Douglas (Laura) Ashley of Indianapolis and Dennis (Nikki Kiecker) Ashley of Pendleton, IN; father & mother-in-law, David and Diane Ashley of Florida; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Gordon's life will be held at the Conservation Building at Falls Park in Pendleton, 520 Falls Park Drive, Pendleton, Indiana, on Sunday, July 20th, from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm with beer and plenty of hot sauce. Family and friends are invited to attend the gathering and bring their chair and share their favorite memories.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Gordon's memory to the Civilian Crisis Response Team at https://www.7ccrt.org/Donate

Memories and condolences are encouraged to be shared with the family online at www.nealandsummers.com

Gordon's family has honored his wishes for cremation and entrusted Neal & Summers Funeral and Cremation Center in Martinsville with his final arrangements.