Manuel Adelbert Swift

Manuel Adelbert Swift of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, passed away from this life to begin his eternal life in Heaven on January 25, 2022, at the age of 91. He was born in Hebron, Pennsylvania, to Alfred Adelbert Swift and Eva K. Swift (Snyder) on March 27, 1930. As a young man, Manuel joined the United States Air Force. After an honorable discharge, he stayed at Edwards Air Force in California. He then delved into the world of farming but decided to give it up when he and his family moved to Oklahoma.  Once in Oklahoma, Manuel became a Civil Service Mechanic, working for Tinker Air Force Base until his retirement.

His faith was an important theme in his life, and Manuel loved attending church and sharing his love for the Lord. He was an active member of several churches over the years, including Sinclair Baptist Church, Unity Baptist,  Blue Lakes Baptist and Southmoore Baptist. He loved to minister the Word of God, and he was actively involved in the ministry programs at the Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children.

Described as a “tinkerer” or a “piddler”, Manuel loved to be outside or in the garage, working on projects. His hobbies included woodworking, camping, arts and crafts, and trips to the lake with his family. He was so talented at wood crafting that he had a hand in remodeling every church he was ever a member of. Manuel adored his family and was happiest when he was spending time with them, no matter the setting. Manuel’s warm, caring heart touched the lives of many, and he will be deeply and forever missed by all those who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years Donna Swift (Murphree), his mother, Eva Swift, his father, Alfred Swift, four siblings, Evelyn Taylor, Ramona Pesoch, Albert Swift, and Jacqueline Clark, as well as a grandson, Derek Butler.

Manuel is survived by four children, Don Swift and wife Tracy, Darla Richardson and husband Glenn, Delta Butler and husband David, and Damon Swift and wife Heather; a sister, Kaye Baxter, and two brothers, Milton Swift, and Dewayne Swift; ten grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and a host of other loving family members and friends.

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