1926 – 2020
Jack Swopes was born on February 22, 1926 in Reydon, Oklahoma, the son of T. E. and Mable (Selby) Swopes. Jack passed away in Claremore, Oklahoma on June 15, 2020 at the age of 94 years, 3 months and 24 days.
Jack grew up in Reydon, Oklahoma and graduated from Reydon High School in 1944. During World War II Jack served in the United States Army as a Paratrooper and a Staff Sergeant. After his discharge he owned and operated a Mobil Filling Station. He married Martha Jane Purcell in Wheeler, Texas on February 22, 1944. Jack did some farming and later worked at T. G. & Y. for three years. He worked for the Elk City Post Office where he retired after more than 30 years.
He is a member of the Elk City United Methodist Church where he was a past Chairman of the Trustees and was a member of the administrative board. He belonged to the American Postal Workers Union and the American Legion. His hobbies included fishing and square dancing. He and Jane were members of the Western Swing Club.
He is survived by his 2 daughters, Alana Atkins and husband, Bud, Oklahoma City, OK, Debby Ihrig and husband, Mark, Bristow, OK, 2 sons, Randy Swopes and wife, Geri, West Lake, LA, Danny Swopes and wife, Cindy, Tuttle, OK, 8 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren 11 great great grandchildren, one sister, Sylvia Norman and husband, Wayne, Stinnett, TX, and a host of other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, an infant baby sister and one brother, Frailey Swopes.
Visitation will be held, Monday June 22, at the Whinery Funeral Home from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Graveside services will be held Monday, June 22, 2020 at 3:00 at Fairlawn Cemetery under the direction of Whinery Funeral Service.