CHANDLER — Stephen Michael Swafford, 39, of Chandler, passed away Feb. 13, 2013, at his home. He was born Aug. 30, 1973 in Oklahoma City, OKLA.  His parents are Jim and Wilma (Fredrick) Swafford of Chandler.
  Stephen was a loyal and dedicated employee starting with his first job as a paperboy. Other employment history included Great Bend Industries, Great Bend, and Wolverine in Shawnee, Okla. His latest employer was Watco Companies in Stroud, Okla. where he was revered as a hardworking, dependable team worker. He was well-known for his unpredictable sense of humor and storytelling.
 Stephen shared his love for hunting and fishing with his dad. He moved from Great Bend to join his parents on the farm in 2000. He never married but loved sharing time with his family. He always expressed his pride in his nephews, Hunter and Garrett Thomsen, especially as accomplished marksmen in the Chandler Archery Program.  He enjoyed reading, watching western movies and listening to country music. In his youth, he was associated with the Assembly of God Church and active in the Royal Rangers and Cub Scouts.
 He is survived by his parents; sister, Jaymie Thomsen; and nephews, Hunter and Garrett Thomsen, all of Chandler, along with many other relatives, friends and special co-workers.
 A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Lehman Funeral Home.  Burial will follow at 2 p.m. in the Oak Grove Section of the I.O.O.F. Odd Fellows Cemetery, 1040 S. Waverly, Ponca City, OK.  Services are under the direction of Lehman Funeral Home of Wellston and will be officiated by Reverend Brad Severs. Memorials are requested to Chandler Archery Bldg Fund, c/o Chandler High School, 901 S. CHS St., Chandler, OK 74834, in name of Stephen Swafford.
Funeral arrangements provided by    
Lehman Funeral Home**
334501 E. Highway 66
Wellston, OK 74881
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Feb. 17, 2013