William “Bill” O’Neal Swain was born May 22, 1928, in Scotland, Arkansas, to William Theodore Swain and Opal Vesta (O’Neal) Swain. His father died when Bill was only five months old. Opal and her infant son moved to Bowlegs, Oklahoma where Opal’s parents, William Robert “Bob” O’Neal and Ada (Cassinger) O’Neal lived. At age eight, Bill’s grandfather died and Bill worked in the fields to help make a living for his mother and grandmother. He had to grow up really fast and that season of his life formed a lasting impression on his character. He was a man of integrity, responsibility and a high work ethic that showed in everything he did.

In high school he was an athlete, quarterback on the football team, and in those days a team member could play both offense and defense, which he did. During his senior year he moved the family house from the farm to town and built on a room that became the school cafe where his mother and grandmother cooked pies and lunch for the high school students. For decades he returned to his beloved Bowlegs High School for their reunions and eventually was honored with the title of “Mr. Bowlegs—for keeping the Spirit of Bowlegs alive through poetry and stories”. Throughout his life he expressed his thoughts and feelings through his poems which his daughter, Terri, collected and preserved in a book for him one year for Christmas. On January 27, 1950, Bill married his sweetheart, Dixie Yadon, and they were married for 74 years. In March of 1952, Bill entered the military and eventually became a sergeant in the Marines. Bill and Dixie settled in Midwest City, Oklahoma, where Bill worked at Tinker Air Force Base and like many of his generation stayed on and retired after a full career. He would work the early shift and then come home and start another project. Through the years Bill spent his time renovating the house, building play equipment and bus stops for the children, dog houses and barns, and anything else that needed fixing or building. In his spare time, he wrote poetry, books, stories, made short films, and did metal and wood workings. He loved young people and enjoyed teaching and mentoring them through church activities. At various times he was an active member of congregations including Sooner Baptist, Soldier Creek and Meadowood Baptist Church. His faith grounded him. It made him both a person contented with what he had and also striving to glorify God in how he used his resources. He lived four days after the love of his life passed away. On March 2, 2024, he joined her in Heaven and leaves behind his children, Steve and Terri Miller, Brad and Ginger Roberts, Bill and Dianne Swain; grandchildren Justin and Mindy Miller, Justin and Alanna DuBose, Chris and Stephanie Campbell, Jonathan Miller, Ryan and Kathleen Swain, Kelli Swain and Michael Benton; great-grandchildren Lanae, Isabelle, Isaac, Alyssa and Adeline DuBose; Mies, Jude, Ziva and Vera Miller; Audrey, Miller and Ava Campbell; Cashion Swain and many members of his extended family. He was a man who took his responsibilities seriously and his legacy will be one of intelligence, ingenuity and service which was directed by his love for God and his family.

We would like to thank Phoenix Home Heath Care, Golden Age Nursing Home and Companion Hospice for their support, compassion, and care during his last days. They were a blessing to his family in many ways.

Bill and Dixie will have a double funeral service Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 10:00am at Barnes Friederich Funeral Home, 1820 S. Douglas Blvd, Midwest City, OK 73130. Graveside service will be March 9, 2024, at 2:00pm at Highland Cemetery in Okemah, Oklahoma. For those wishing to pay private respects a viewing will be available March 8, 2024 from 8am - 8pm.

Bill and Dixie’s memorial page for Samaritan’s Purse "Project Christmas Child" is now active and may be viewed by clicking on the following link: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/memorial-page/bill-and-dixie-swain-midwest-city-ok/