Richard Swinney

Richard Elwood Swinney, 67, of Claremore, passed away on Monday, June 24, 2019 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was born on December 28, 1951 in Newfoundland, Canada; the son of Richard E. and Hazel Swinney. Richard faithfully served his country in the United States Army and was a proud Vietnam Veteran. He was very artistic and loved arts and crafts. He enjoyed leather and bead work. Richard loved anything that had to do with Native American culture. He also received his Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Rogers State University. Richard enjoyed spending time with his family and especially his 14 grandchildren. He was a wonderful papa to each one of them. He leaves behind many wonderful memories and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 27, 2019 in the Claremore First Christian Church in Claremore, Oklahoma with Pastor Charles Ragland officiating. Burial will follow in the Lone Chapel Cemetery with Richard Swinney, Ray Swinney, Jorden Walden, Austin Swinney, Gage Austin, and Chris Austin serving as casket bearers. Honorary casket bearer will be Caleb Walden and Cody Miller. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at Shipman’s Funeral Home. To leave his family a message, please visit his Tribute Wall at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman’s Funeral & Cremation Service.

Richard is survived by  his wife, Jerri Swinney of the home; sons, Richard Swinney and wife Jennifer of Claremore, Oklahoma and Ray Swinney and wife Crystal of  Foyil, Oklahoma; daughters, Shannon Brumly of Claremore, Oklahoma and Robin Wilkerson of Claremore, Oklahoma; brothers, David Swinney of Claremore, Oklahoma, Bobby Anderson of Claremore, Oklahoma and John Anderson of Claremore, Oklahoma; sister, Freda Brown of Claremore, Oklahoma; 14 grandchildren.; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Melissa Walden; parents, Richard and Hazel Swinney;  brother, Donald Swinney and father, Cecil Austin.