Proudly served in the United States Army Tommy M. Swearengin, 72, Joplin, formerly of the Dogwood community, passed away Monday, Dec. 24, 2007, in St. John’s Hospital, Joplin. He was born Feb. 22, 1935, to Murlin and Ida (Yates) Swearengin, who have preceded him in death. On Sept. 9, 1954, he was united in marriage to Floretta Lockhart in Sparta.
Tommy proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army entering the military at the young age of 17.
During his professional career, he was district manager for Meadow Gold Dairy, retiring after dedicating 29 years of service. He also attended and was a member of Blendville Christian Church. He especially enjoyed bluegrass gospel music and woodworking. Tommy was a dedicated family man and will be dearly missed by his family and many friends.
Tommy is survived by his wife, Floretta; three children, Sheri Page and husband Steve of Joplin, Mike Swearengin of Joplin, and Gary Swearengin and wife Janet of Wichita, Kan.; two grandchildren, Ryan Swearengin and Rachel Cole; and one great-grandchild, Andrew Cole. Other surviving relatives include seven siblings, Jim and Katherine Swearengin, Janis and Bill Preston, Dean and Dortha Swearengin, and Betty Fitzgerald all of Sparta, Joan and Stanley Workman, Dwight and Diana Swearengin, all of Seymour, and Peggy and Jesse Grimes, of Rogersville; other caring relatives and several friends.
Tommy was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, in Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, Dogwood, with Sr. Minister Larry Richardson officiating, under the care and direction of Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark. Burial followed in Dogwood Cemetery. Visitation was held Friday, from 6 to 8 p.m., in Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark.
