Harold Swofford

Harold L. Swofford, 87, of Mulberry Grove, IL, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 07, 2025 at his home. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Hohlt & File Funeral Home, Vandalia with Rev. Bruce Sasse officiating. Interment will follow in McInturff Cemetery, rural Vandalia with Military Rites accorded by Crawford-Hale American Legion Post # 95, Vandalia & Brownstown VFW Post #9770. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:00-11:00 AM, Thursday, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to McInturff Cemetery. Online condolences can be expressed at www.hohltandfilefh.com Harold Laverelle Swofford was born on January 21, 1938 in Alton, IL, the son of William J. and Velma M. (Roberts) Swofford. He married the love of his life, Judith Ann LaDuke on October 01, 1960. Together they raised three children and celebrated 54 years of marriage before her passing on January 19, 2015. Harold was a proud United States Army veteran. In his school days, he excelled as an athlete, particularly in track and wrestling. His career began at the Johnson-Stephens & Shinkle Shoe Factory in Vandalia, and he later worked as a mold operator for Crane Packing, where he retired after many years of dedicated service. Harold was also a passionate softball coach and player. His love for music and singing led him to perform old country karaoke at numerous nursing homes, and he eventually started his own program on Facebook. Known for his witty jokes, Harold was a gentle and down-to-earth man. He cherished his family and enjoyed playing horseshoes and ping pong, as well as woodworking and gardening. Mr. Swofford is survived by his son, Curt Swofford and wife Diane of Vandalia; daughter, Kathy and husband Kent Emerick of Vandalia; daughter, Sandy and husband Scott Snider of Salem; grandchildren, Mindy and husband Christopher Birkner of St. Genevieve, MO , Michael Emerick and wife Carrie of Hanover Park, Andrea Emerick of Titusville, FL, Travis Emerick of Centralia, Brooke and husband Donny Sager of Shelbyville, KY, Olivia Snider with Ben Myatt of Shelbyville, KY, and Blake Swofford of Vandalia; great-grandchildren, Corie and husband Cody Smith, Hunter Sasse and wife Annika, Xadric Lassor and wife Leah, Harlequin Lassor, Owen Birkner, Luke Birkner, Jersey Rakers, Alex Emerick, Clara Emerick, Blaire Sager, Dawson Sager and Alara Myatt; great-great grandchildren, Grace, Maddie, Avery, Aiden, and Rydian; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; grandson, Douglas Emerick; brothers, Otis, Sidney, Raymond, James, Everett, and Donald Swofford; sisters, Nola Weaver, Retha Blain, and Wilma Meyer.