Matthew DeWayne Swafford-Keys

Matthew DeWayne Swafford was born on October 24th, 1988 in Tahlequah, OK, the son of James William Swafford Jr. and Michelle Delene Keys. He was raised with one brother, Cody and three sisters, Dakotah, Delena and Savanna. He grew up in the Tahlequah area as well as Muskogee. When he was growing up, Matthew loved to play basketball, liked rapping, drawing and showing off his talent on drums and bass guitar. There was nothing he liked more than a chance to go to the river to hangout, swim or fish. There were family fun dance offs and opportunities to showcase his talent with Legos. He was full of boundless energy, and went out of his way to make life easier for anyone that he could help. He loved to carry on a conversation, and any topic would be fine with him. Matthew went to work and worked at a number of things, he liked to tinker and could repair anything you broke. Before the children were born, he would use Dayton to “attract” the girls. He was an adoring father, and he loved his children, Keeton, Zoey, Kamryn, Korbyn and Knollyn. They were the driving force behind his day and the reason he made such a mean grilled cheese sandwich, among other tasty dishes. Matthew continued his love of writing poems and raps often with his children.He liked building things with his own two hands and hanging out with the family and friends he loved so much. He was loving and affectionate, and always there when you needed him. A Christian by faith , he attended Abiding Life Fellowship in Muskogee. Life wasn’t always perfect for Matthew, he had days when things just didn’t go well. Yet he always tried again. The Lord called Matthew home from his many labors on Monday, September 4th, 2023 at his home in Woodall, OK. He was 34 years old and will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Billy Ray Keys and Geraldine Swafford.

Those left to celebrate his life include his mother, Michelle Keys of the home in Woodall, OK, and his father, James Swafford Jr of Pryor, OK. He leaves his children, Keeton Lawson of Oklahoma, Zoey Hawk of Pryor, OK, Kamryn Swafford of the home, Korbyn Swafford of the home and Knollyn Swafford of the home in Tahlequah. His brothers and sisters include, Cody Swafford of Wagoner, OK, Dakotah Swafford of Oklahoma, Delena Galvan and husband Jordan of Sallisaw, OK, and Savanna Justice and husband Trenton of Hulbert, OK. Matthew leaves his grandmother, Janet Keys of Siloam, AR, grandfather, James William Swafford Sr, Uncle Michael Keys of Keota, OK, Aunt Donna Mandella and husband Jody of Alaska, Aunt Christine Ragsdale and husband Charles of Ft. Gibson, OK, Uncle Wesley Swafford and wife Traci of Salina, OK, his cousins, Britteny Keys of Ft. Gibson, OK, Derek Keys and wife Kenlea of Proctor, OK, Hayley Keys of Ft. Gibson, Chelsea Hix and husband Tyler of Ft. Gibson, Mikayla Woods of Keota, OK, Falecia Drummond of Keota, OK, and the mother of his children, Felicia Chippewa, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends and loved one too numerous to mention.

Funeral services for Matthew Dewayne Swafford will be held on Tuesday, September 12th, 2023 at 10:00 Am at Reed-Culver Chapel with Brother Alvie Clark and Pastor Jared Callahan officiating.

Pallbearers for Matthew include Dayton Keys, Cody Griggs, Tom Bruner, Marc Girdner, Eric Murphy and Kreg Dobson. His honorary pallbearers include Mike Keys, Josh Fisher, Derek Keys and Cody Swafford.

His family will hold a visitation on Monday from 12:00 Noon until 5:00 Pm at Reed-Culver Chapel. Matthew will be laid to rest at Levi Cookson Cemetery in Keys, OK along with his grandfather. Online condolences for his family may be left at www.reedculver.com.