Tom Swift

(From Lakin Funeral Home)

Thomas “Tom” Swift, 84, of Pierce City, MO passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO. Tom was born August 14, 1941 to Theodore and Marie (Verfurth) Swift. He attended school at St. Joseph’s in Billings, MO, St. Agnes High School in Springfield, MO, and Benedictine Heights College in Tulsa, OK.

Tom married his early love, Sharon Nagle, on October 19, 1963 in Billings, MO. After an early stint working on the railroad in various locales, he became a lineman for Empire District Electric Company, a career that brought him much pride, a ridiculous amount of enjoyment, and led to so many cherished relationships. 

It's hard to convey the breadth of love and impact Tom brought to his family and those around him. His eternal optimism and positivity, humor, kind-heartedness, and quiet generosity were central to who he was. As a lifelong devout Catholic, his faith was strong and he was proud of it. Tom always had a special kindness and patience with all children, and his grandchildren were his greatest source of joy and happiness. He loved their sporting events, programs, recitals, visits, outings, and even graduation ceremonies. Tom enjoyed sports, traveling (by car!), and talking….anywhere to anyone…about anything. He told many stories of early escapades and his family growing up, and it was always entertaining even though questionable judgement was often involved. It’s been a full, wonderful life for Tom. He was “a likeable guy”, as he often referred to so many others.

Tom was preceded in death by his mother and father, Theodore and Marie, and three brothers, Ted, Stephen, and John.

Tom is survived by his dear wife, Sharon, of Pierce City and his 5 children: Katrina Trout of Springfield, MO; Melissa Mowrey and her husband Bob of Billings, MO; Tom Swift and his wife Shelly of Springfield, MO; Greg Swift of Eureka Springs, AR; and Jeff Swift and his wife Lydia of Joplin, MO. Along with his 11 grandchildren and 5 great- grandchildren, he will be missed immensely. 

Tom is also survived by his sisters Mary Janice Fabro and her husband Larry of Billings, MO; Barbara Dees of Olive Branch, MS; and Regina Howell and her husband Kenny of Springfield, MO; as well as many other loving relatives and friends.

Rosary services will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday October 20, 2025 at St. Mary’s Church in Pierce City, MO, with visitation to follow. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, also at St. Mary’s Church. A lunch reception will follow the funeral, with all invited to attend. Graveside services will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery in Billings, MO at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s honor to St. Mary’s Church, St. Mary’s School, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are by Lakin Funeral Home, Pierce City, MO.