Richard I. Swaim, retired pilot
Richard I. Swaim, 83, of Georgetown, passed away Monday, Nov. 20, 2017, at his home with his loving family by his side. He was born in Tulsa, Okla., Friday, July 27, 1934, son of the late Edna O. Swaim.
Mr. Swaim honorably served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. During this time, he was assigned to Dover Air Force Base, where he met the love of his life, Joan. Following his service, he followed his childhood dream of becoming a pilot. He was a pilot for several organizations, including Maryland Plastics and Melvin Joseph Construction Company, from which he retired at the age of 70.
Mr. Swaim was a member of the Quiet Birdmen and the Diamond State Twirlers. In his free time, Mr. Swaim enjoyed playing the piano, traveling in his motorhome and his many dancing events with the Twirlers. He was a talented watercolor artist as well, painting countless local airplanes. Mr. Swaim will be remembered for his positivity and quick-witted humor; he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend who will be missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his mother, Mr. Swaim was preceded in death by his brother, Tommy Swaim. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Joan; his four daughters: Cheryl Swaim and her companion Jay Burton of Ellendale, Lisa Swaim-Parker and her husband Christopher Parker of Magnolia, Karen Swaim and her companion Dan Bradfield of Bishopville, Md., and Nancy West and her husband Richard West of Georgetown; his five grandchildren: Chad Stump and his companion Jaymie Horisk of Bethany Beach, Ashley West, Jamie Truitt and her husband Brandon, Alan West and his wife Shannon, and Jackson Parker; his seven great-grandchildren: Miranda, Shania, Paisley, Jordyn, Leilani, Jax and Lexingtin; and numerous extended family members in Delaware and Texas.
Funeral Services will be held Friday, Nov. 24, at 11 a.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Dodd-Carey Chapel, 307 N. Bedford St., Georgetown, where friends may call beginning at 10 a.m. Interment with military honors will immediately follow services at Woodlawn Memorial Cemetery, 25153 DuPont Blvd., Georgetown.
Please visit Mr. Swaim's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
