William “Bill” O’Neal Swain was born May 22, 1928, in Scotland, Arkansas, to William Theadore Swain and Opal Vesta (O’Neal) Swain. His father died when Bill was only 5 months old. Opal and her infant son moved to Bowlegs, Oklahoma, where Opal’s parents, William Robert “Bob” O’Neal and Ada (Cassinger) O’Neal lived.
At age 8, Bill’s grandfather died and Bill worked in the fields to help make a living for his mother and grandmother. He had to grow up really fast and that season of his life formed a lasting impression on his character. He was a man of integrity, responsibility and a high work ethic that showed in everything he did. In high school he was an athlete, quarterback on the football team, and in those days a team member could play both offense and defense, which he did. During his senior year he moved the family house from the farm to town and built on a room that became the school cafe where his mother and grandmother cooked pies and lunch for the high school students. For decades he returned to his beloved Bowlegs High School for the reunions and eventually was honored with the title of “Mr. Bowlegs—for keeping the Spirit of Bowlegs alive through poetry and stories”. Throughout his life he expressed his thoughts and feelings through his poems, which his daughter, Terri, collected and preserved in a book for him one year for Christmas.
On January 27, 1950, Bill married his sweetheart, Dixie Yadon, and they were married for 74 years. In March of 1952, Bill entered the military and eventually became a sergeant in the Marines. Bill and Dixie settled in Midwest City, Oklahoma, where Bill worked at Tinker Air Force Base and like many of his generation stayed on and retired after a full career. He would work the early shift and then come home and start another project. Through the years Bill spent his time renovating the house, building play equipment and bus stops for the children, doghouses and barns, and anything else that needed fixing or building. In his spare time he wrote poetry, books, stories, made short films, and did metal and woodworking.
He loved young people and enjoyed teaching and mentoring them through church activities. At various times he was an active member of congregations including Sooner Baptist, Soldier Creek and Meadowood Baptist Church. His faith grounded him. It made him both a person contented with what he had and also striving to glorify God in how he used his resources. He lived four days after the love of his life passed away.
Dixie Lee (Yadon) Swain was born December 29, 1931, in Okemah, Oklahoma, to Ralph C. Yadon and Frankie L. (Strain) Yadon.
Her elementary and high school years were spent in Okemah and Earlsboro, Oklahoma. After graduation she completed cosmetology school at the Holdenville Beauty College.
On January 27, 1950, she married William O’Neal Swain. They were married 74 years. Dixie moved with her husband many times during their first years of marriage. They spent their military time in San Francisco where Bill was in the Marines during the Korean War. After a while they started a family and settled in Midwest City, Oklahoma, where they raised three children. For a brief time she worked for H&R Block and at Soldier Creek Elementary School in the cafeteria where she loved to see and talk to the children. But, her whole life was her family.
She was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was dedicated to her children and her favorite thing to do was rock the babies. When babies weren’t around she would collect dolls and her collection grew so big she needed a display case which Bill built for her since he was a skilled carpenter. One of her final gifts for each of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was a special doll from her collection.
Bill and Dixie lived for 67 years in the same house Bill had built himself when he was a young man. They were blessed with friends and neighbors who lived side-by-side for over 60 years, Bill and Audrey Woolever and Ernest and Sue Brooks. She was a member of Meadowood Baptist Church and she cherished her Sunday school class.
Dixie passed from this life February 27, 2024, after a brave attempt to recover from a stroke. On March 2, 2024, Bill joined her in Heaven; they leave behind their children, Steve and Terri Miller, Brad and Ginger Roberts, Bill and Dianne Swain; grandchildren, Justin and Mindy Miller, Justin and Alanna DuBose, Chris and Stephanie Campbell, Jonathan Miller, Ryan and Kathleen Swain, Kelli Swain and Michael Benton; great-grandchildren, Lanae, Isabelle, Isaac, Alyssa and Adeline DuBose; Mies, Jude, Ziva and Vera Miller; Audrey, Miller and Ava Campbell; Cashion Swain and many members of his extended family.
He was a man who took his responsibilities seriously and his legacy will be one of intelligence, ingenuity and service which was directed by his love for God and his family. he touched the hearts of many and was the sweetest, kindest person we have ever known. She will be remembered by all for her gentle ways and faithful devotion to the family she loved so well.
We would like to thank Phoenix Home Heath Care, Golden Age Nursing Home and Companion Hospice for their support, compassion and care during their last days. They were a blessing to their family in many ways.
Bill and Dixie will have a double funeral service Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Barnes Friederich Funeral Home, 1820 S. Douglas Blvd, Midwest City, OK 73130. Graveside service will be March 9, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Highland Cemetery in Okemah, Oklahoma. For those wishing to pay private respects a viewing will be available March 8, 2024. from 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
*All obituaries are submitted by family and friends of the deceased.
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