Harold "Bill" Wilbur Swinford Obituary (1932 - 2022)

Harold Wilbur "Bill" Swinford was born, the middle of three children, to Loren B. and Margaret Jennie O'Tilia Swinford on February 15, 1932, and was raised in Joliet, Illinois, growing up through the Depression and WWII. In Bill's formative years, he developed a love for music. In the elementary school band, he played tuba. He continued his musical conquests throughout his life, playing bass horn and singing well into his late 80s! Upon graduating from Joliet Township High School, Bill joined the United States Navy. During his four years of service, Bill was a Radar Operator with Patrol Squadron 7 in a P2V Neptune aircraft. He flew over 30 missions in the Korean War, and additional missions throughout his tour of duty. Bill received four honors and medals for his service. Bill was proud and honored to serve his country. On his return from the Navy, Bill dated Lola Stanersen. Bill had met Lola before his Navy years, while attending Junior High School, where Lola's brother, Lewie, was Bill's best friend. Bill and Lola were married on August 24, 1956 and were devoted to each other for over 66 years. Following two years of Junior College, Bill received a scholarship to Michigan State University, earning a BS degree in Electrical Engineering. While studying, Bill played the sousaphone in the Michigan State University Marching Band and became a lifelong devoted Spartans fan. After graduation, Bill joined General Electric, working in Aerospace and Medical Systems for 35 years. Bill, Lola and their four children moved frequently during Bill's years with GE, notably Binghamton, NY, and over 20 years based in Seattle, Washington. For the past 47 years, Bill and Lola have resided in Kent, Washington, where their family has continued to grow! Bill was a dedicated church member and active in the church choir. Golf was by far his favorite pastime. Playing card games and spending time with his big, supportive family, brought him endless joy. Bill celebrated his 90th birthday in February playing putt-putt golf with his wife, sister, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bill is pre-deceased by his brother Ken and his eldest daughter, Nancie Sue Brooks. He is survived by his wife, Lola; sister, Jeanne Drew; son, Tom (Sandi) Swinford; daughter, Cindi (Mike) Bentz; and daughter, Diane (Mike) Norman; 11 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Years ago, when asked "Of what are you proud?" he replied, "My family, good kids and grandchildren. They are all well established. I am proud of how they grew up." A Celebration of Life and Faith will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at 1pm at Kent Lutheran Church (336 Second Ave S, Kent, WA 98032). The service will be livestreamed on You Tube/Kent Lutheran Church, then look for Bill Swinford Memorial. Prior to the service, there is a viewing at Edline-Yahn Funeral Home in Covington from 9:30-11:30am. A private burial will be at Tahoma National Cemetery.