Claton Swift

Claton R. Swift of Dearing, Kansas passed away Monday, February 15, 2010 in Parsons, Kansas. He was 63. Claton was born September 3, 1946 in Strong City, Kansas to Elmer Ray and Isla Hull Swift. He grew up and attended school in Matfield Green, Kansas. After completing his education he went on to serve his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era. After being honorably discharged, he was married to Sue Ann Heathman in 1969 the couple later divorced. Claton made his home in the area south of Greensburg, KS working as a ranch hand at the Bill Selves and Koger family Ranches. In 1985 he moved to Coffeyville, Kansas where he began working for Cities Service which later became Atmos Energy. In September of 2007 he retired from Atmos after 21 years of service. Claton was active in the Shriners and Masons of Coffeyville as well as the Coffeyville VFW. He enjoyed fishing at Montgomery County State Lake, Fricke farm pond, at Winfield State Lake and at Tom Newtons pond. Claton liked deer and mushroom hunting, splitting wood and teaching his grandchildren, Elayna, Jared and Adam how to fish. On April 22, 2006 he was united in marriage to Gloria S. Blevins in Dearing, Kansas she survives of the home. Claton is also survived by his mother, Isla Swift of Matfield Green, Kansas son, James R.Jimmy and April Swift of Coffeyville, KS daughter, Missy and Benji Newton of Coffeyville, KS brothers, Melvin and Joyce Swift of Matfield Green, KS, Marvin Swift of Lubbock, TX, Delbert and Ethel Swift of Americus, KS sister, Elmira Swift and husband, Donnie of Matfield Green, KS six grandchildren and two greatgrandsons. He was preceded in death by his father, Elmer and stepdaughter Shelly Musgrove. Funeral services will be held Friday, February 19, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at thePenwellGabel FordWulfBruns Chapel in Coffeyville. Reverend Jo Ann Perry will officiate. Committal and Military Rites will be held Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at the Matfield Green Cemetery in Matfield Green, Kansas. Friends may call on Thursday, February 18, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at FordWulfBruns Chapel to sign the guest register. Family will be there to greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.