Thomas J. “Tom” Swafford Jr. Age 83, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife and children.
He was born on August 25, 1942, in St. Joseph, Missouri, to Thomas and Isabelle (Kirwin) Swafford. Tom attended St. Joseph Cathedral parochial school and graduated from Christian Brothers High School in 1960. He continued his education at St. Joseph Junior College, where he played basketball under Coach Bob Alcorn.
Tom married the love of his life, Dina L. Dillard, September 4th, 1963. She survives at home.
Known among friends and colleagues as one of the hardest-working and most respected men they ever knew, Tom began his career at the sales order desk with Armour & Co. He went on to build a successful career in the food and meat industry, advancing from Sales Representative to Vice President of Sales with various companies.
A lifelong devoted Roman Catholic, Tom lived his faith deeply and gave selflessly to his community. He was a proud 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus Council 5067, a former member of the Moila Shriners, a 32nd Degree Mason in the Scottish Rite Temple, and a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
Tom coached Little League baseball and softball teams and was truly a lifelong coach to anyone who would listen. Above all, he cherished his Catholic faith, his family, and his friends. Always active, whether working, serving his community, or enjoying time with loved ones, he was rarely seen sitting still. He never met a stranger, loved spending time with family and friends, and occasionally snuck in a round of golf.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson, Taylor J. Lorenz; his brother, Robert Swafford; his sister, Maureen White; brother in law, Ogden Dean White and son in law, Stuart M. Wyeth.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 62 years, Dina; his children, Lora Lorenz (Stephen D.) of St. Joseph, Lyda Lou Wyeth of St. Joseph, Tim J. Swafford (Michela) of Birmingham, Alabama, and Thomas J. “T.J.” Swafford III (Lori) of Kansas City, Missouri; grandchildren, Brandon Lorenz (Katie), Anna Robishaw (Sean), Emory Swafford, Tatum Swafford, Jake Swafford, Emma Swafford, and Thomas J. Swafford IV; great-grandchildren, Collins Lorenz, Mary Cate Lorenz, Marin Lorenz, Alivia Robishaw, and Gabriel J. Robishaw; sister-in-law, Rosemary Swafford; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Mass of Christian Burial and Public Livestream 10:00 A.M. Saturday, January 17, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment Mount Olivet Cemetery. Parish Rosary 4:00 P.M. Friday, January 16, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, where the family will gather with friends 4:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Bishop Leblond High School Taylor J. Lorenz Memorial Scholarship Fund or Voices of Courage.
