Orville Eugene Swearengin

Orville Eugene Swearengin was born December 29, 1933, in Elk Head, Missouri, to Lora and Cordelia (Willis) Swearengin. He grew up in Ongo, Missouri, and graduated from the Chadwick School District. After high school, Orville attended auctioneering school and became an auctioneer for many years. On April 9, 1955, Orville was united in marriage to the love of his life, Pauline Ceola Hawkins. They shared sixty-nine years of marriage and lasting memories together. Orville and Pauline were blessed with five children: Beulah, Karen, Pamela, Douglas, and Dallas. Orville started his working career as a Green’s Keeper with Hickory Hills Country Club in Springfield, Missouri until the Ava Country Club opened. In 1968, he started working for Spring Creek Golf Course, in Salem, Missouri, until his retirement after twenty-eight years of dedication. After retirement, Orville started farming and working cattle. He enjoyed the farming life for twenty-eight years. In his spare time, he liked to go to Montauk to camp and trout fish. Orville and Pauline loved going to the Lake of the Ozarks to camp and crappie fish. Orville admired his family and cherished spending time making memories with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. He was a man of strong faith and longtime member of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church. Throughout the years he served as a deacon, treasurer, and song leader. Orville entered into eternal rest April 12, 2024, in Salem, Missouri, at the age of ninety years. He is survived by his loving wife: Pauline Swearengin of Salem, MO; daughters: Beulah Chilton of Salem, MO, Karen Hogan and husband David of Salem, MO, and Pamela Todd and husband Jack of Salem, MO; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law: Marie Schuenemann; brother-in-law: Jerry Hawkins and wife Janice; extended family and dear friends. Preceding him in death were his sons: Douglas Eugene Swearengin and Dallas Paul Swearengin; parents: Lora and Cordelia Swearengin; siblings: Joe Swearengin, Norman Swearengin, and Lois Hammons; brother-in-law: Harold Schuenemann; sons-in-law: Gary Chilton and Rick McDaniel; and step-granddaughter: Chelsea Nickles. Orville had a magnetic personality and never met a stranger. He loved to talk and could start a conversation with anyone. He was very likeable and brought great joy and love to everyone around him. Orville will be deeply missed. Funeral Services for Orville Eugene Swearengin were held Monday, April 15, 2024, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Pastor Larry Nash officiating. Special Music was provided by Stanley McElfresh singing “I Saw The Master This Morning” and “In The Garden”, and Jerry Steelman singing “Amazing Grace”. Serving as Pallbearers were Jack Todd, David Hogan, Tommy McDaniel, Derrick Medley, Jerry Steelman, Will Land, John Mitchell, Ronnie “Bub” Terrill, Jaxon McDaniel, and Hunter Yeargan. Honorary Pallbearers were Larry Chilton, Carl Conway, Marshall Neely, and Larry Shaw. Burial was in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Orville Swearengin to Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church and left with Wilson Mortuary. Memorial Envelopes will be available. Online Condolences may be entered at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Orville Eugene Swearengin

December 29, 1933 - April 12, 2024