Clifton Swafford

IN MEMORY OF: Clifton Swafford Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – MURPHYSBORO 1421 Walnut Street, Murphysboro, Illinois Clifton “Cliff” Swafford of Murphysboro, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2023, at the age of 95. Cliff was born in Murphysboro on November 4, 1927, to the late Clifton and Bonita (Hancock) Swafford. On October 29, 1955, he married Dorris Elene Hanrahan and they enjoyed 59 years of marriage until her passing in 2014. In 1945, Cliff graduated from Murphysboro Township High School then enlisted and proudly served his country in the United States Army where he served in the Korean War. As a combat medic, Cliff, earned two Bronze Stars, one with Valor. He was also awarded a Meritorious Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medical, Medical Badge and National Defense Service Medal. After Korea, Cliff continued his service in the US Army reserves, and joined the Illinois National Guard where he served as the company commander for the unit in Carbondale. Cliff retired from the US Army Reserves after 38 years of service with the rank of Major. After active-duty service in Korea, Cliff began his career with the US Postal Service and retired as Postmaster in Murphysboro after more than 25 years. Upon retirement he became active with the Jackson County Historical Society and served many roles there including President and Chairman of the Publications Committee. He was also instrumental in the construction of their new building in 1998. Cliff was a life member of the American Legion Post #127, life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post # 7190, life member of the 7th Infantry Regiment, and a life member of the 3rd United States Infantry Division Association. Cliff was a longtime member of the Murphysboro United Methodist Church. Other volunteer activities included Board of Trustees Member at Murphysboro United Methodist Church, St. Joseph Memorial Hospital Board Member and member of the Jackson County Emergency Service Disaster Agencies. Cliff was a coach and President of Murphysboro Baseball Inc., and Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop #114. In 2018, he served as the Grand Parade Marshal of the Murphysboro Apple Festival. Cliff enjoyed genealogy, family history, and spending time with his family. Clifton is survived by his sons, Wayne Swafford (Pamela Berra) of Lakeway, Texas, Michael J. Swafford (Nancy Black), Steven T. Swafford (Angela Moore) both of Murphysboro; grandchildren, Cody, Mark, Carson, Michael, Dalton, Mariah, Dakota and Carrie; 7 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law and brother in-law Janet (Hanrahan) and John Palmer of Neptune Beach, Florida and numerous friends. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. at Crain Funeral Home, 1421 Walnut Street, Murphysboro. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until service time. Interment will follow in the Tower Grove Cemetery with military honors. The family would like to thank the staff at Dr. Dale Blaise’s office, The Voyage West Senior Living of Murphysboro, Hospice of Southern Illinois and Manor Court of Carbondale. Memorial contributions to the Jackson County Historical Society, Murphysboro United Methodist Church and Hospice of Southern Illinois are appreciated.

Clifton Swafford

November 4, 1927 - June 11, 2023