Donald Woodman Swain

He was preceded in death by his brother, David Swain; mother, Josephine Swain; and father, Frank B. Swain.

From the beginning, Don’s exuberance for life and deep care for others brought joy to those who were fortunate enough to have him in their lives. Growing up on his family’s farm, Don internalized the value of hard work, along with a lifetime love of animals, and joy being in nature. Throughout the years, he nurtured flowers, trees and vegetables in his many gardens. What Don lacked in height, he made up for in heart, and earned spots on both the University of New Hampshire’s varsity football and lacrosse teams. By his senior year, he led both the football and lacrosse teams to numerous wins and the Yankee Conference Football Championship in 1954. In 1955, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science focused on agriculture. His experience as an Air Force ROTC cadet brought him down a new path as he commissioned as a second lieutenant in the USAF and soon graduated from navigator school.

Proudly bearing his navigator wings, he embarked on what would be an illustrious career in the USAF spanning 29 years of service as both a navigator and an intelligence officer. With over 4,000 flying hours and 60 combat missions as a gunship sensor navigator, Don served in the Vietnam War and through the height of the Cold War. Due to his dedicated service, he earned numerous decorations to include: two Legions of Merit, a Bronze Star, and four Air Medals. Along the way he earned a Master of Arts in East European and Russian Studies from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of International Relations. In addition, recognizing his distinguished service to the nation, the University of New Hampshire inducted him into their ROTC Hall of Fame. Don was a natural leader and always said the highlight of his career was serving as the Wing Commander of the 3400th Technical Training Wing at Lowry Air Force Base, Colorado. Upon retirement in 1985, Don brought his experience, energy, and can-do spirit to Lockheed Martin and for the next 15 years, as he had done in the Air Force, worked tirelessly to help those around him and strengthen the organization.

Don met his wife Mary while both were students at Laconia High School and after dating in college and starting his Air Force career flying in B-47s while Mary took to the skies as a flight attendant for TWA, the two married at Pease AFB in 1960. They then traveled the world together as Don’s career took them oversees and around the US. Along the way, they welcomed two daughters, Kristi and Lisa into the world and Don relished the role of proud dad and made sure they knew their way down a ski slope, an activity he loved. While in the Air Force, Don was actually chosen for the US Air Force ski team and participated in a military wide competition to include ski jumping.

Don was an avid golfer, runner and walker and joined his daughter Kristi in completing the Marine Corps Marathon. After retirement to Williamsburg, Virginia, Don had more time for golf and gardening and remained very active in his local community, serving as a deacon for the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, president of Colonial Capital Kiwanis Club and the Williamsburg Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), and an active member of the Crown Colony Club. He also spent 15 years as a historical interpreter and guide for the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation. This showcased both Don’s love of history and his passion for education. Don loved to play and watch sports, especially cheering on his granddaughter in ice hockey and grandsons in lacrosse. He used his free time to coach lacrosse and helped establish varsity lacrosse at two Virginia High Schools. As he and Mary had always enjoyed seeing the world, they now had time for many trips traveling to exotic locations as well as visiting their two daughters and grandchildren as they moved with the military.

True to his nature, Don fought back when diagnosed with Parkinson’s and became a regular at Rock Steady Boxing and kept active walking two-three miles a day. He continued to dote on his family and bless all who had the privilege to know him with his kind and gentle soul, his love, smiles and laughter.

Donald is survived by his wife, Mary Swain; daughters, Kristi (Steve) and Lisa (Al); and grandchildren, Charlotte, AJ, and Matthew.

A funeral service will be held at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, located at 215 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA, 23185, on March 14, 2026, at 1:00 PM. Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date that is to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions in Donald’s memory to the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation (https://www.jyfmuseums.org/) or the Parkinson’s Foundation (https://www.parkinson.org/).