Evelyn Wade (Blakely) Swafford

Evelyn Wade (Blakely) Swafford, age 94, of Hamilton, MO, passed away on Monday, Aug. 1, 2016, at the Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home in Hamilton.

Evelyn was born on July 24, 1922, the daughter of Keith Tillery and Marybell (McClain) Wade in Lawson. She was raised by her mother and step-dad, Lloyd Blakely and she thought of Lloyd as her dad. She was united in marriage to Thomas Woodrow Swafford on Dec. 28, 1938, in Liberty. He preceded her in death on Oct. 4, 1978. She worked at International Shoe Company (StrideRite) for 28-1/2 years. Evelyn was also a member of the Hamilton Baptist Church. She was a wonderful seamstress and quilter. Evelyn was a wonderful mom, grandma, great-grandma and great great-grandma and friend.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Woodrow; one half-brother; one brother; one sister; and three granddaughters.

Survivors include two sons, David Swafford and companion, Helen Cole Swafford of Columbia and Bob Swafford and wife, Peggy (Lamb) Swafford of Hamilton; seven grandchildren, Mary Jane Swafford, Peggy Embrey (James), Tonya Aherns, Toni Swafford, Teresa Bethel (John), Julie Zorn, and Robbie Swafford (Dorothy); 34 great-grandchildren; 27 great great-grandchildren; numerous step grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 4, at the Hamilton Baptist Church. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Highland Cemetery in Hamilton. Memorials may be made to the Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home Resident Fund. Online condolences may be left at www.bramfuneralservices.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Bram Funeral Home in Hamilton.

(paid obituary)