Tom Swarens

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Thomas Lee Swarens, age 70, passed away peacefully at his home in the early hours of May 28, 2026. He was surrounded by his loved ones. 

Born to Charles and Jeannine (Byrd) Swarens on June 19, 1955, in Carthage, Missouri, Tom was baptized at First Christian Church in Carthage and remained proud of his roots and his faith throughout his life.
On December 18, 1976, he married the love of his life, Deborah Ann Downey. Together they shared 49 years of marriage filled with love, family, and lifelong memories. 

A longtime resident of Carthage, Tom graduated from Carthage High School with the Class of 1973. He continued his education through studies at Missouri Southern State College, Ozark Technical College, and Crowder College. 

He dedicated many years to hard work and providing for his family throughout his career. He was employed by Leggett & Platt in Carthage from 1981 to 1993, EFCO in Monett from 1993 to 1997, and Kay Concrete in Monett from 1997 until his retirement in 2017. 

After retirement, he and Deborah moved to the Lake of the Ozarks area to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren. He deeply loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed deer hunting, crappie fishing, and spending time with family and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Jeannine Swarens. 

Survivors include his wife, Deborah Ann Swarens; two daughters, Sara E. Hall and husband Wes of Kaiser, Missouri, and Emily L. Jenkins of Eldon, Missouri; five grandchildren, Xander Haven, Chloe Jenkins, and Liam Jenkins, all of Eldon, Missouri, and Warner and Augustine Hall of Kaiser, Missouri; sisters, Sherry Quade and husband John of Agate, Colorado, and Kay Greenlee and husband Kevin of Jasper, Missouri; uncle Bill Swarens of Carthage, Missouri; aunts, Nancy Heath of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Linda Michaels of Augusta, Georgia; along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and a host of dear friends. 

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Dr Balasundaram and her staff at the C.H. Chub O’ Reilly Cancer Center in Springfield, Missouri, as well as to the nurses and staff at the Curry Cancer Center in Lebanon, Missouri. Also, special thanks to the nurses and staff from Integrity Hospice in Lebanon, Missouri. 

Services will be under the supervision of Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri. There will be a visitation at Ulmer's on Tuesday, June 2, from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Graveside services are scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, at 2:00 p.m. at Fasken Cemetery, Carthage, Missouri. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Carthage R-9 Education Foundation’s Class of 1973 Scholarship Fund in care of Ulmer Funeral Home.