Paul Swanson

Paul Kenneth Swanson, 93 passed away on Monday, February 29, 2016, in Lawton, Oklahoma. He was born on May 31, 1922, in Cooperton Valley, Oklahoma to Thomas and Elsie (Turney) Swanson. Paul grew up on the Swanson Ranch. After completing 12 years at Cooperton Public Schools, Paul entered Cameron College in Lawton, OK. During World War II, he joined the Navy to serve his country in the South Pacific. After returning home from the service, Paul would meet and marry Delores Ruth Cox on July 13, 1947, and they would reside on the Swanson Ranch where Paul had been raised as a child. Their journey as husband and wife would be blessed with three boys, Charlie, Henry (Hank) and Dan, and a precious baby girl, Polly. In 1961, Farm Bureau selected Paul and Delores to be Farm Family of the year. Paul was a member of the Kiowa County Cattlemen's Association, served on the Cooperton School Board, and a member of the First Christian Church at Cooperton. He raised wheat, and polled Herefords were the mainstay on the ranch. Paul was an avid reader. He loved reading about cowboys, cattlemen, horses, history, politics, and Oklahoma. Paul led by example. His word was simply the truth. Paul was a quiet, gentle man as well as a gentleman! He honored his remarks with a handshake and a nod and his spoken words were his truth. Working cattle, picking jupe jupes, climbing the rock-wall and tall trees, wading the creek or ponds, have left treasured memories with Paul's children and grandchildren.


Paul is survived by 1 son; Charlie Swanson and his wife Mary, Cooperton
1 daughter; Polly Bredy and husband Stan, Cooperton
1 daughter-in-law; Penny Swanson, Howard, KS
7 grandchildren; Chris Swanson and wife Ashley, Cache, OK
Clint Swanson and wife Lyndsey, Owasso, OK
Bart Royal and wife Shalin, Weatherford, OK
Gabrielle Nightingale and husband Ryan, Fairview, OK
Ashley Bredy, Irving, TX
John Swanson and wife Karla, Dallas, TX
Will Swanson and wife Melissa, Topeka, KS
14 great grandchildren
1 sister; Mary Belle Monroe, Edmond, OK


He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Delores, 2 sons Henry (Hank) and Dan Swanson, 2 brothers Tommie and Raymond Swanson, 2 sisters Ester Swanson, and Julia Langdon

Memorials may be made to the Kiowa County Museum 518 S. Main, Hobart, OK 73651, 580-726-6202

Family Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 2, 2016, at Ray & Martha's Funeral Home, Hobart, OK

Graveside Services will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 3, 2016, at Springhill Cemetery, Cooperton, OK, under the direction of Ray & Martha's Funeral Home, Hobart.