Larry Dean Swales

Larry passed away on November 1 after a lengthy illness. He was born on August 24, 1949 in Clearfield, Pennsylvania to Ernest Paul and Leetrice Joy Halseth Swales. He was raised in Clearfield until the family moved to Lawton, Oklahoma in 1957. He attended Garfield, Tomlinson Junior High and Eisenhower High School, graduating in 1967. Larry was an outstanding student, regularly appearing as the top scholar on Eisenhower’s honor roll. He was also an award winning vocalist in high school who continued his singing in college and as an adult. He was an avid scouter, earning the rank of Eagle Scout while part of the troop based at his church, First United Methodist in Lawton. He particularly enjoyed his trip to Camp Philmont in New Mexico while in high school. He attended Oklahoma State University, graduating with B.S. and M.S. degrees in chemical engineering. He was in advanced ROTC while at OSU and upon graduation served as an officer in the US Army, finishing at Camp Drum in New York as First Lieutenant. After a short stint at Celanese, he built his career at ExxonMobil serving in many significant capacities that took him all over the world before retirement.

He is survived by his wife Dr. Laurie Pan-Swales, son Adam David and his wife Jessica Keating-Swales of New Orleans, LA and granddaughter Morgan Ashley Swales; daughter Dr. Stephanie Suzanne Swales of Dallas, TX; brothers Dr. Richard Scott Swales and wife Shonnie of Lawton, OK; Kerry Paul Swales of Houston, TX; sister Jana Lynne Filson and husband Mark of Edmond, OK; Sister-in-law Linda Swales-Smith and husband Bob of Edmond, OK; nieces and nephews Chelle Swales, Cara Hall, Scott Swales, Paul Swales, Kristen Peltier, Beth Swales, and Kelli Filson.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Steven Lee Swales.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in his honor to:

The Dallas Opera

2403 Flora Street, Suite 500

Dallas, TX 75201

Attn: Tracey Hull

Phone: 214-443-1062