Loyd Swagerty

Loyd Keith Swagerty, 81, of Canton, passed away Sunday, June 15, 2014 at the East Texas Medical Center in Athens. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 20, at Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home Chapel in Emory. Interment will follow at the Emory City Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 19, from 6-8 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial bequests may be made to Emory City Cemetery 903-473-2465 or Hospice Plus at www.hospiceplus.net 214-343-7900.

Loyd Keith Swagerty was born in Emory, Texas on March 23, 1933 to Vera Edith and George Alvin "Chigger" Alexander. From a very young age, Loyd worked for the family dairy, delivered milk locally, had a paper route, worked for his uncle in his store, B&B, among many other jobs. He was a graduate of Emory High School Class of 1951. During his high schools years, he was junior historian and lettered in football and basketball. After graduation, he worked in Houston, as a semi-truck driver, making deliveries within a 100 mile radius.

Loyd joined the U.S. Air Force where he proudly served his country for four years, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant. He then joined the U.S. Navy for twenty years, and served two voluntary tours in Vietnam. During his career he was stationed in San Diego, CA, Point Mugu, CA, Norfolk, VA, Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, FL, Tucson, AZ. Later he retired from the Navy holding the rank of Petty Officer First Class. He received many awards and honors including The Republic of Vietnam Service medal and The Armed Forces Expeditionary Service medal.

After his military retirement, Loyd worked 20 years for the United States Postal Service as a Special Delivery Carrier in Phoenix, AZ. He retired from the USPS in the summer of 1997.

Loyd had a love of cars which never ended and he always kept a "herd" of them around.

Loyd Keith Swagerty found Peggy Geneva Fletcher Skidmore again, after they had gone to school together many years prior, and they were married in 1997 in Mesa, AZ.

He shall always be remembered for the many sacrifices and great things he did for our country and our family.

Survivors

Daughters: Kathy Lain and Suzanne Swagerty, both of Pasadena, TX.

Step-daughters: Paula Faulkner, LuAnne Landfried, and husband, Gayland, of Lago Vista, TX and Peggy Davis, and husband, Kiley, USAF MSgt (Ret.) of Canton, TX.

Step-sons: Clayton S. Skidmore, and wife, Irene, of Florence, TX, and 1 more step-son (Carolyn's son)

Grandchildren: Randal Lain, Christopher Lain, Shannon Poteet, Brandi Briggs, Aubrey K. Landfried, Ray F. Skidmore and Scott J. Skidmore

Great Grandchildren: Morgan Lain, Westin Lain, Dustin Larson, Taylor Poteet, Rochelle Burns, Darby Burns, Taylor Lain, Randa Lain, Levi Lain, Trish Briggs, Nicholas Briggs and Katelyn Briggs

Relatives: George Alvin Alexander, Jr., Audrey and Travis Shipp, Bill and Betty Potts, Leo and Joan Trimble and many dear friends.

Special Friend: Winnie Thompson

Preceded in death by his parents: Vera Edith and George Alvin Alexander; wives: Carolyn Swagerty, in 1996, and Peggy Swagerty, in 2012; 1 step-brother: Jimmy Dean Alexander; 1 step-sister: Peggy Cullum; 1 step-son: Eddie Ray Skidmore; 1 great-great granddaughter: Mattie Briggs.

Pallbearers: Kiley Davis, Aubrey Landfried, Ray Skidmore, Scott Skidmore, Travis Shipp and Floyd Green.

Honorary Pallbearers: Ernest Cain, Bob Sisk, Don Barrier and Roy Jerry "Yogi" Yarbrough.

He is now healed and is reunited with all his special loved ones who have gone on before him.


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