Tom R. Swanson

It is with great sadness and everlasting hope that we share the passing of Tom R. Swanson, age 82 of Edmond, Oklahoma who passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at 3:46 am. Sadness because to know Tom was to love him; his deep bellow laughs, unmatched kindness and steadfast nature were all much larger than any life. Yet amid our grief, we always have hope. A hope that comes from knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the certainty that we will all be reunited with Tom again.
Tom was born on December 2, 1941, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Svante and Laura Elizabeth Swanson. Coming from a family of 8, he grew up learning compassion and respect for all things around him. Tom attended Northeast High School where he graduated in 1959; he continued his education at Central State College where he earned his degree in 1968.
Tom married the love of his life, Elaine Kay Swanson on June 2, 1962, who gave him his greatest treasures, his daughters, Laura and Charla. The couple enjoyed many years serving their church community and dancing along as Past Presidents of Central District Square Dance Association and Circle 8 Square and Round Dance Club of Oklahoma City.
Tom spent his adult life serving the United States Air Force as a civilian employee where he received numerous accolades. Living in many cities across the country, he graciously impacted countless lives. Tom exemplified the principles of Freemasonry throughout his 55-year Masonic journey.
Tom's perfect day would have been spent sleeping way past sunrise, working outside on many of the things that needed his attention that day followed by a heaping bowl of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese surrounded by friends, and curtain climbers, as he often referred to his grandchildren, teaching them "the vocab of Tom" as we all have come to know and love.
He is survived by his wife Elaine Swanson, dog Cara Coco Scruffy, brother Carl "Johnny" Swanson and wife Wanda, sister Margret Milner and husband Don, daughters Laura Ender and husband Brad and Charla Decoteau Smith and husband Trey. Grandchildren Cale Decoteau and wife Mariah, Laine Krysl and husband Tanner, Erin Ender, and Peri Decoteau, and numerous other family and beloved friends.
He was preceded in death by his father Svante Swanson, mother Laura Elizabeth Swanson, sisters Emma Bozenski, Ruth Winters, Laura Marie Booze, and dog Flicka as well as other close family, friends, classmates, and dancers.
Tom's celebration of life will be held on Monday, April 1, 2024, at Crawford Family Funeral Home at 10:00 am.