Thomas G. "Tom" Swafford was born on January 31, 1950, in Anthony, Kansas to Herman Vance and Helen LaVerne (Cochran) Swafford.  Tom was the seventh out of eight children.

On March 1, 1969, Tom married Bonnie C. Duncan in Anthony.  On November 14, 1969, Tom enlisted into the United States Marine Corp. He served one tour in Vietnam.  On November 12, 1971, Tom was honorably discharged.

After his return to the States, Tom and Bonnie moved to Hutchinson where he started his career in the tire business.  After working at and managing tire shops for many years, Tom opened the doors to Tom and Dan's Tire Shop in South Hutchinson in 2000.

Tom enjoyed the outdoors.  He loved to play paintball and at one point even owning a paintball park in Hutchinson.  Shadow Chasers was known as the place to play paintball in Hutchinson. Tom thoroughly enjoyed playing and watching his son and grandsons grow up playing paintball whether it was tournaments or some good old fashioned woodsball. He also loved car racing.  It didn't matter whether it was driving or watching, Tom was always ready for the races.   When not at work, Tom could be found tinkering in his garages.  He also had a love for camping and fishing.  He had a pond at his home that was stocked with enormous catfish.  The pond eventually ended up becoming a dirt Go Kart track.

Tom married Tammy Ansel in 2005.  She preceded him in death on December 1, 2016.

After a Marine-like battle with lung cancer, Tom passed away peacefully with family at his side on August 4, 2024, at Hospice House- Hutchinson.

Tom is survived by : daughters- Jennifer (Daric) Neuschafer of Moncks Corner, SC, and Kim (Ty) Wedel of Garnett, KS, son- Bryce (Elizabeth) Swafford of Goddard, KS; Grandchildren- Dominique, Kayli, Alexis, Maddox, Tanner, Ariel and Soryn; Great grandchildren- Trityn, Atley, Kohyn, and Huxton; Step-Children- Derrick (Sarah) Borecky, Ash (Tim) Brokhoff, and Jessica (Willie) Pyles; Step Grandchildren- Nathan, Archer, Cotton, Skyler and Liliana; and Sisters Pat Norris and Linda (Phil) Allton.

Tom was preceded in death by: his parents; wife Tammy Swafford; brothers- Leon and Lee; sisters-Karen Williams, Gayle Horyna and Brenda Maunz.

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A Memorial Service will be held at Elliott Chapel on Friday August 30, 2024, at 10:00 am. The inurnment with military honors will be at the Harper Cemetery at 1:30 pm.  Friends may sign his book from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at Elliott Mortuary. Feel free to come as you are or show love for one of Tom's favorite things: K-State, KU, Chiefs, racing, paintball or US Marines.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Kansas Honor Flights in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS. 67501.