Joseph O. Swafford, 92, of Platte City, MO passed away Tuesday, June 20, 2017.

 

He was born on June 15, 1925 to Oscar and Hazel (Graham) Swafford in Richmond, MO where he resided and attended school until he entered the CCC’s work force.   After the bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 1941 at the age of 17, he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps in 1942.  He was a gunner, stationed in England and he flew 65 missions, four were on D-Day, June 6, 1944 with the 416th Bomber Group.  He earned 2 Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart and the Air Medal with 12 Oak Leaf Clusters.   Joseph entered the now Air Force after the war and retired in 1968.  After various civilian positions, he retired in 1983 in Branson, MO where he pursued his love of  fishing.  He and his wife of 34 years, Geri, moved to the Platte City, MO area in 1999.  

 

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, sister Freda, daughter April, son Jon, mother-in-law Pearlie Shafer, father-in-law Marion Shafer and  granddaughter Lorie.

 

He is survived by his wife Geraldine (Shafer Wetzel) Swafford; daughters Joan Crook and Julie Fontenot and husband Martin; son-in-law Mike Gilbert; daughter-in-law Christie Swafford; step-daughter Valerie (Wetzel) McKenzie and husband Robert; step-sons Keith Wetzel and wife Kim and Clayton Wetzel and wife Melissa; brother Don Swafford and wife Peggy and Don’s children Anita, Donna and Wes; brother-in-law Darrel Shafer and wife Dickie; and all other blended families children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren and many friends.

 

Per his wishes there will be no services. 
Arrangements:  Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville, MO.