Clarence William Swearingin

Bill Swearingin, known only to those who hadn't spent more than a moment with him as Clarence William Swearingin, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2025. Bill was born in Oswego, KS on November 24, 1931 to parents George Arthur (Stanley) Swearingin and Doris (Hackney) Swearingin. Growing up on a farm in Kansas, where he developed a strong work ethic and a love and respect for others, he attended a one-room Quaker school house before graduating from Cherokee County Community High School in 1949. He continued his education at Iola Junior College (Iola, KS) and, after serving in the United States Navy as an Electrician's Mate during the Korean War, Bill returned to college to complete his degree at Kansas State College at Pittsburgh, now known as Pittsburgh State University (Pittsburgh, KS). He went on to a long career in electrical design with Phillips 66 Petroleum Company (Bartlesville, OK), followed by Service Technology Corporation (Bartlesville, OK) and Consulting Engineers Incorporated (Tulsa, OK). Bill was a member of the Dewey First Christian Church (Dewey, OK) and more recently attended Stokesdale Christian Church (Stokesdale, NC). Additionally, he was a member of VFW Post 10099, Disabled American Veterans, Sons of the American Revolution and Grand Lodge of Oklahoma AF&AM #468. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, known for his kindness, humor, wisdom, and unwavering support to those around him. He recognized needs and served where he could. He was often found at the end of a pool timing swimming events for the Bartlesville Splash Club, chaperoning on team trips, on mission trips doing the electrical work in orphanages, mowing the lawns of various neighbors and churches, or driving folks to various appointments where the need arose. The idea of being neighbors carried meaning that stretched broadly in its circle around Bill.

His testimony is carried by those he is survived by, including: his wife Anna Lee (Winters) Swearingin, daughter Mary (Swearingin) Lytch, daughter Brenda Swearingin and grandson Zachary Swearingin (Brenda), his four-legged friend, Skippy, with his pals Mickie and Trixie (Mary), and all those who were touched by him in their own lives.

He brought joy to many and he was often found working alongside them as he shared stories and laughter with family and friends. His memory and the lessons of love and compassion he imparted will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered.

A memorial service is being planned and this site will be updated with time, date and location in the coming days. In lieu of flowers please join us in making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association Online (for checks, send donations to 320 Nevada St. Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460) or Wounded Warriors Online (for checks, send donations to Wounded Warrior Project, PO BOX 758516, Topeka, KS 66675).