Lester Swinford

BROWNWOOD, Mo. -- Lester "Red" Swinford, 81, of Brownwood passed away Monday, Aug. 3, 2009, at his home.

He was born July 16, 1928, at Painton, Mo., son of Luther and Gertrude Bass Swinford.

Red was a member of Advance VFW and attended Full Gospel Church. He was a retired owner and operator of an auto body shop.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the Korean conflict from November 1950 to November 1952.

Red and Blanche were united in marriage April 5, 1953, in Cape Girardeau.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Gary (Sally) Swinford of Brownwood; three daughters, Fran (JR) Warren of Fruitland, Phyllis (Bobby) Newberry of Zalma and Trudi Swinford of Brownwood; a brother, Bill Swinford of Las Vegas; a sister, Lillian Kaempfer of Cape Girardeau; 17 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son, Jackie Lester Swinford; two brothers; and a great-grandson, Rocky.

Graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. today at Williams Cemetery in Perkins, Mo. The Rev. J.D. Smith will officiate.

Morgan Funeral Home in Advance is in charge of arrangements.