Richard Oliver Swanson

Richard Oliver Swanson, 89, of Ooltewah, Tennessee, passed away Friday, February 27, 2026.

He was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Oliver and Gertrude Anderson Swanson. Richard loved the city of Chicago and often shared fond memories of riding the streetcar as a boy to attend Seventh-day Adventist church and school. Though he had no biological siblings, his parents lovingly raised several foster children, and family was always important to him.

Richard graduated in 1953 from Broadview Academy in Broadview, Illinois, where his musical interests continued to grow as he played the piano, accordion, organ, and saxophone. During several summers, he sold Christian literature to help support his education in Adventist schools.

On August 11, 1957, he married his college sweetheart, Joyce Elaine Shable, of Milliken, Colorado. They were drawn together through their faith, love of music, and mutual interests, and shared nearly 69 years of marriage.

Richard served three years in the United States Army as a medic, stationed in Texas, New Jersey, and Kansas. Following his military service, he completed his Bachelor of Science in Education at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska, graduating in 1967. He dedicated approximately 40 years to teaching, mostly in Seventh-day Adventist elementary schools. He also enjoyed handyman-type projects and working with his hands.

Richard and Joyce enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, proudly visiting all 50 states. They also felt privileged to have had opportunities to travel to Canada, Mexico, and Europe. Richard volunteered with Maranatha, a Seventh-day Adventist volunteer ministry, participating in construction projects in Puerto Rico, Peru, and within the United States.

Above all, he loved to have fun. He was very musical, playful, friendly, and full of enthusiasm, often found at the piano and sometimes with his accordion. He enjoyed teasing, laughing, and being around people. He truly never met a stranger and had a genuine tenderness and sympathy for others, especially his family. He played Chinese checkers well into his 80s and enjoyed the friendly rivalry.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce Elaine Swanson; four children, Rochelle (Ron) Tompkins, Roland Swanson (deceased wife, Angela), Julie (Robert) Capello, and Joel Swanson; and six grandchildren, Ryan, Jordan, Rebecca (Cameron), Andrew, Lucas, and Autumn.

Richard looked forward to Jesus' second coming and held firmly to the hope of eternal life. His favorite Scripture was Psalm 23, which was often recited together during family visits:

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." - Psalm 23:1

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026, in the chapel of Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd. Interment will follow at Collegedale Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until the service hour at the funeral home.

Visit the online obituary www.heritagechattanooga.com to post tributes and share memories.

Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel.