Earl Lee Swain

Earl Lee Swain went home to be with the Lord on April 1, 2020. He was born on August 9, 1934 in Ponca City, Oklahoma to the parents of Frank and Lula Mae Swain. He was a faithful, devoted, and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Above all he loved the Lord and devoted his life to serving Him.

“The mind of a man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

Proverbs 16:9

Growing up in Ponca City Earl developed a love for playing baseball and dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player. God had different plans. He attended Oklahoma State University where he was required to spend two years in the ROTC program. By the grace of God he ended up in the Air Force ROTC where Earl discovered his God given gift for flying. After graduating college he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Earl served in the Air Force for eight and half years where his natural ability and passion for flying allowed him to quickly excel to the position of aircraft commander in the Strategic Air Command. He later flew fighter jets in Vietnam where by God’s design he developed a close friendship with several missionary families in Da Nang. It was here that God planted within him a love for missionaries and a passion for missions. While in the Air Force he was promoted to the rank of Captain and received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, Air Medal Award with four oak leaf clusters among other awards and commendations. After he fulfilled his commitment to the Air Force Earl began a 29 year career as a pilot with American Airlines.

On August 21, 1955 Earl married Louise Holmes, the love of his life. He was 21 years old and about to start his senior year of college. They launched a 64 year journey together, building a marriage and family on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ. Earl’s greatest desire for his family was that each had a personal relationship with Jesus, being grounded in God’s Word and growing in their faith. Through years of love, generosity, loyalty, integrity, self-sacrifice, compassion and faithfulness, Earl left a legacy for his family and friends to follow.

Earl was involved with sports and fitness his entire life. He loved competitive sports including handball, racquetball, golf, baseball, and softball. He made many great friends in sports. Even when his body prevented him from continuing to compete, his friendships lived on. He continued to stay active to the very end. On the day he left, he went out for a walk and stepped into Heaven.

Earl was committed to serving the Lord and building His Kingdom. He enjoyed serving as an elder of his church for four decades. He lead adult Bible studies, worked with children in AWANA and VBS, and served on multiple boards supporting evangelism outreach and community based programs. He was instrumental in starting the missions program at his church and led it for many years. He was passionate in his support for many missionaries and was deeply involved in their lives, supporting them with prayer, meeting their needs, and traveling abroad to visit them in the field.

Earl finished strong – a well lived life with God as the Pilot.

Mr. Swain is survived by; his wife, Louise Swain; Daughter, Lynette and husband Mark Lagow; Son, Mike and wife Cynthia Swain; Daughter, Terri and husband Mike Pulec; Grandchildren, Matt, Kristin, Oliva, Abigail, Mary, Michael, Mark, Tim and Sandy and Great grandchildren; Kaden, Justice, Mercy, Anson, Kennedy, Evelyn, Tate, Norah and Madeline.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Lula Mae Swain, sisters, Annabelle Swain and Gladys Scott and brothers, Don, Roy and Fred.

Facebook live service: (online only) - https://www.facebook.com/BeanMasseyBurgeFuneral/