Howard Clinton "Cisco" Swafford, III

Howard was born on March 28, 1948, to Howard and Blanch Swafford in Kansas City, Kansas. He was drafted into the Vietnam War in 1968 and served as an ammunition driver for two years.

Howard fell in love with his first wife, Rachel Marquez and her son, Mark and they were married and became a family in 1976. They spent their lives together for over 37 years and welcomed two more children into the family, Howard and David. Rachel passed away in 2013.

Shortly after losing Rachel, Howard met Rita Roberts, who reminded him that life is not meant to be lived alone. They fell for one another and married in 2016.

Howard was a man of unyielding depths of kindness which spilled over into all the ways he showed love and generosity to those fortunate enough to know him.

Howard was at peace in nature. He enjoyed fishing and loved watching birds eat from his feeders as he sat on the porch swing of his cabin. An ancestry of mechanics, farmers and engineers was in his blood – it manifested through the pleasure he took in tinkering with computers, CB radios, and remote-control cars.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Blanch; his first wife, Rachel; and his three brothers, Terry, David, and Clifford.

He is survived by his second wife, Rita; his sons, Mark (Clorrissa) Marquez and their children Mark Jr., Sean, Kraig and Marjorie; Howard (Shanta Dickerson) Swafford; and David (Julie) Swafford and their children Liam, Jaxin, and Zayne; Rita’s children, Lisa (Mike) Scherman and their children Taylor, Aidan, and Jordan; and Sarah (Jake) Lucas.

A visitation for Howard will be held Monday, February 28, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Chapel Hill - Butler Funeral Home, 701 North 94th Street, Kansas City, KS 66112. A graveside service will occur Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at 1:30 PM at Leavenworth National Cemetery, 150 Muncie Road, Leavenworth, KS 66048.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chapelhill-butler.com for the Swafford family.