Joe Carl Swanda

In loving memory of Joe Carl Swanda, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and follower of Christ, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2025, at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, wisdom, and laughter.

Born on January 3, 1938, in Fort Cobb, Oklahoma, to loving parents Buster Swanda and Juanita Keyes, Joe began his life in the heartland, where the values of hard work and faith took root early. After marrying the love of his life, Karen, in 1958, the couple moved to Amarillo, Texas, where they began their family and welcomed their children into the world. Life’s journey would take them across the state line and back again, relocating to Oklahoma City in 1962, Enid in 1974, and finally settling in Edmond in 1979, where they built a home filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories.

Joe's life was marked by quiet strength and simple joys. His perfect day would be spent with Karen by his side, traveling through the majestic mountain ranges of the western United States in their RV, marveling at the wonders of God’s creation and the earth’s formations. He had a deep appreciation for gospel and country music, and his favorite color, brown, reflected his down-to-earth nature and steady presence.

A loving and playful grandfather, Joe found delight in the laughter of his grandchildren. He was known to chuckle over a good prank on a spam caller and couldn’t help but laugh when he got tickled. He had a special way of making everyday moments memorable.

Joe was full of practical wisdom and lived by strong principles. He believed in working hard, staying loyal to your job, fixing what you could, and saving for the future, often reminding others to save at least 10% of their earnings and “watch the money grow.” His hands were always busy with repairs or a project, and his heart was always focused on the well-being of his family.

Above all, Joe wanted to be remembered as a man who loved Jesus. A longtime member of Henderson Hills Baptist Church, he also worshipped with communities at First Baptist and The Crossings. His faith was his foundation and guided the way he lived and loved.

Joe was married to Karen for 62 beautiful years until her passing in 2020. Their bond was one of deep devotion and true partnership.

Joe is preceded in death by his wife Karen, his parents Buster and Juanita, his son Ricky Swanda, his brothers Denny Swanda and Tom Keyes, and his wife Juanita, and his sister Inez Keyes. He is survived by his daughter Susan Doubleday and her husband Nathan, his son Christopher Swanda, his daughter in law Cindy Swanda, his brothers Pat Swanda and his wife Scherry Swanda, and Ray Keyes and his wife Terrie, his sisters Margaret Cortez, Betty Cortinez and her husband Ray, and Anita Pewewardy and her husband Farley, his grandchildren Chance Swanda, Andy Hatcher, Joey Hatcher, Hope Swanda, Cassey Hatcher, and Cole Swanda, and his great-grandchildren Peyton Swanda and Pacey Swanda.

Joe's family and friends will remember his steady presence, his quiet humor, his deep love for his grandchildren, and the wisdom he freely shared. His life was a testimony to faith, love, and simple joys. He is now reunited with Karen, and we rejoice in the knowledge that he is home with his Savior.

A celebration of life for Joe will be held Friday, August 29, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Henderson Hills Baptist Church, 1200 East I 35 Frontage Road, Edmond, Oklahoma.