Thomas William “Bill” Swopes, 85, El Dorado Springs, was born Aug. 8, 1925, in Peru, KS, to Melvin T. and Goldie M. (Norris) Swopes. He went to meet his Lord early Nov. 30, 2010, at Community Springs Nursing Home in El Dorado Springs where they took excellent care of him for several years. He felt very close to many of his caretakers and enjoyed teasing them.
Bill attended Elementary School in a one-room school building and graduated from Collins High School in 1943. He served in the Army in the Pacific area from 1944-46 and was a corporal when discharged.
Bill married Mary E. Palmer, Aug. 28, 1948. Five children were born to this union - Patricia Evelyn, Thomas Dewayne, Peggy Charlene, Dwight Irvin and Pamela Sue. He later married Mryl White on Dec. 29, 1975.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Goldie Swopes; both wives, Mary and Mryl; daughter, Pamela Sue Hill; grand-daughters, Holly and Whitney; a grandson, Tyler Swopes, and a sister, Columbine Allen.
He is survived by the other four children - Patricia Evelyn Blankenship - Huntsville, AR, Thomas Dewayne, and wife, Karen - Terre Haute, IN, Dwight Irvin - Terre Haute, IN, Peggy Charlene Willbanks, and husband, Larry - Huntsville, AR; several grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; four brothers - Melvin (Vess) Swopes - El Dorado Springs, Ed, and wife, Debbie - Delta, CO, Leroy, and wife, Dorotha - Appleton City, Jack, and wife, Debbie - Falcon; two sisters, June Coleman - El Dorado Springs and Grace Harold, and husband, Tom - Nevada; a number of nieces and nephews and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the Pleasant Springs Cemetery in care of the Sheldon Funeral Home.
Services were held Friday, Dec. 3, in Sheldon Chapel with Rev. Brent Bland officiating. Music was provided by the Bear Creek Bluegrass Band. Military Honors were provided by Juliet Team/VFW 5525. Interment was in Pleasant Springs Cemetery, Oyer.
Casketbearers were - Melvin Swopes, Jack Swopes, Leroy Swopes, Tom Harold, Rick Swopes and Derl Barnett.
Arrangements under the direction of Sheldon Funeral Home El Dorado Springs.
