Paul Wayne Swaim

He was born on December 8, 1941 in Van Buren, Arkansas to Sheldon and Vera (Hyde) Swaim. While he was stationed in the US Navy in Jacksonville, Florida in 1962 he met the woman who would become his soul mate, Marguerite “Maggie” Pocock of Batavia, New York. They married in 1963. Paul and Maggie enjoyed 48 years of marriage before Maggie passed in 2011. They have 4 children who loved and now miss them dearly, Ricky, Shawn, Pam and Darcy.

Dad served his country honorably on active duty for 20 years in the United States Navy. Some of his service includes two tours on board the USS Midway, two tours aboard the USS Saratoga (CV-60) in 1964 and 1965, and in 1966 served in Vietnam aboard the USS Enterprise and another tour in Vietnam in 1970. Some of his military awards include the 5 Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

To know Paul you would know that he never met a stranger. He would talk to anyone, at any time, about anything. He was a true friend in every sense of the word. He was a huge fan of the Dallas Cowboys, NASCAR especially Dale Sr. and Dale Jr., loved fishing, playing golf (which he got all three of his son’s into playing, but not very well), Budweiser, Winston’s, and eating any redneck food product you would put in front of him. In fact, he once owned a catfish restaurant in Hanford where the catfish was still alive when you placed your order. Dad believed the only good catfish was when it was served fresh and with a side of hushpuppies and coleslaw (and a Budweiser). Dad made the most incredible hushpuppies, Best in the Nation!!

One of his greatest sports accomplishments came in 1967 when he pitched for the All-Navy fast pitch softball team. He pitched part of the championship game but eventually the team placed second. At home he had a garden that he would pamper and he always had more than a small army could eat. So dad would distribute the vegetables all over town to anyone who wanted them. He enjoyed camping with Maggie and going to the casino’s. It never failed that dad would always come home with more than he left with, unbelievable.

Paul was a member of the Elks lodge, the Royal Order of Turtles and the Fleet Reserve Association Branch 261. He donated a lot of time helping and supporting these wonderful organizations. The family would like to request that if donations would like to be made to those types of organizations on his behalf they would be honored. Dad always believed in caring for others and tried to encourage them on how to get on the right path in life. His wisdom wasn’t always conventional but that’s what made him so special and lovable!

Paul leaves behind his brother, Bill and Pat Swaim of Van Buren, Arkansas; brother Don and Alice Swaim of Van Buren, Arkansas; son, Rick and wife Cathy Swaim of Hanford; son, Shawn Swaim and son-in-law Gillis Gibson of Fresno; daughter, Pam and husband Scott Gordon of Independence, Iowa; son, Darcy and wife Jamie Swaim of Gilbert, Arizona; and some of the most precious people ever to have touched his life, his grandkids. Grandsons, Brandon, Kody, Caleb, Riley and Nehemiah; granddaughters, Celia, Payton and Aubrey and great grandson, Connor.

He is preceded in passing by his parents, wife Maggie, and brother Dave Sonny Swaim.

Paul's family would like to invite you to the viewing that will be held on Thursday, October 25 from 9am-11am at People's Funeral Chapel in Hanford with the Funeral Service to follow immediately after the viewing at 11am at People's Funeral Chapel; 501 N. Douty Street; Hanford, CA 93230 559-584-5591 and a Burial at Hanford Cemetery to follow. Full military honors will be provided by a unit of the United States Naval Honor Guard.

Condolences may be offered at www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com

Arrangements entrusted to People's Funeral Chapel, 501 N. Douty St., Hanford, CA 93230 (559) 584-5591.