Meredith Ray Swanson

Meredith "Ray" Swanson stepped through the veil of this mortal life on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at the age of 74 in Calera, Oklahoma at the Calera Manor Nursing Home. He was born on Friday September 8, 1950 in Denton, Texas to Riley Charles and Trudie Awn (Monds) Swanson.
Ray grew up in Denton, Texas being the youngest of four older brothers and two sisters. In 1975, Ray enlisted in the Army service. After a brief time there, he developed medical problems and was honorably released from duty.
He had been living in the Durant, Oklahoma area for the last little while to be near family. He fought a valiant fight for many years against severe diabetes, which caused blindness, neuropathy, a failed kidney to which he had a transplant that lasted him 19 years, and for a time, confined him to a wheelchair. He had many kind and wonderful neighbors, friends, and caregivers including his ward and stake family from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints of which he was a member.
Ray was musically talented, like the rest of his family and was known to tweak or make his own adjustments and modifications to his liking. He had a very inventive and creative mind. He was the 'fun' uncle. Always telling jokes and enjoyed laughing with his nieces and nephews. He lived in a number of places throughout the United States and South Africa and had many unique adventures that would make a fascinating book!
Ray was preceded in death by his parents Riley and Trudie Swanson; brothers Kenneth and wife Colleen, William "Bill', James; nieces Andrea Lyman Burdzy and Kenna Swanson.
Surviving family are sisters Ellen Bentley (Late Gordon Rene Bentley), Margaret "Margie" Lyman and husband Norman Lyman; sisters-in-law Judy, Jackie, and many nieces and nephews.
He was loved by his family and will be missed. We know that he is at peace now and has joined his family who preceded him.
Cremation services have been selected. Ray will be laid to rest in the Blanding, San Juan County, Utah Cemetery near his niece Andrea Lyman Burdzy. In honor of Ray, please consider making a donation to your favorite charity.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Gordon Funeral Home, 221 N. 3rd, Durant, PH- 580-916-9090, www.gordonfh.com