Michael A. Swafford, Sr.

Michael A. Swafford Sr., of Erie Michigan, passed in his sleep on March 6, 2022 holding his wife’s hand of 53 years. He was born in Logansport, Indiana on March 27, 1950 to the late Harry and Georgia (Kobel) as the youngest of seven siblings all who preceded him in death – Beverly (Jack) Drummond, Sharon (Ishmael) Wilburn, Jack (Diane) Swafford, Judy (Herb) Linton, Harry (Joyce) Swafford, and Gale (Sue) Swafford. At fifteen he met his wife, Linda (Gross) while roller skating at a local roller rink. In 1968, at 18 they married in Logansport, Indiana. Together they built a family with three children; Del (Timmy) Goins of Monroe, Deanna Swafford of Toledo, and Mike (Drew) Swafford Jr of Chicago. His family continued to grow to include five grandchildren Timmy (Deaven) Goins II of Monroe, Jeffery (Barbara) Swafford of Toledo, Stephen (Courtney) Swafford of Toledo, Alexander Killion of Hillman, Kyle Swafford of Toledo, and three great grandchildren. Mike provided for his family by (in his words) “drilling holes and blowing things up” at Frances Stone Quarry – the job that transferred his family to Michigan. He then worked replacing doors and installing window guards at Defender Door Co., and retired from Backyard Products making sure everything needed was properly included in the shed kits. During his life, he was dedicated to his family and always enjoyed when everyone was at his home for holidays, celebrations, or weekend fires in the backyard. He enjoyed working in his garden; growing garlic and tomatoes were his favorites, riding his motorcycle, and working on various woodworking projects making dressers, bed frames, chests, and curio cabinets for loved ones. No one was a stranger for long when meeting Mike; his soft-spoken nature, curiosity to get to know people and his sharp wit quickly made him friends everywhere he went. Memorial Services will be at Victory Temple Church of God (11166 S. Dixie Hwy Erie, Michigan) on March 12, 2022. Visitation will be at noon and service at 1:00 with the repast immediately following. For those wishing, any memorial contributions can be made in memory of Mike to the Karmanos Cancer Foundation.