CHARLES AUSTIN "CHARLEY" SWAFFORD

Charles Austin "Charley" Swafford, 83, of Richmond, MO died Sunday, November 22, 2015 at North Kansas City Hospital, North Kansas City, MO.

Charley was born on November 19, 1932 in Richmond to James Grover and Leota Marie (Shaw) Swafford. He married Rosella Cline of Richmond on October 17, 1952. She survives of the home.

Additional survivors include, three sons and two daughters-in-law, Gary and Pam Swafford of Godfrey, IL, Ricky and Lola Swafford of Richmond and Michael Swafford of Rapid City, SD; one daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Jim Jackson of Warrensburg, MO; one brother, Edward Lee Swafford of Richmond; and one sister, Joanne O'Dell of Richmond; 10 grandchildren, Austin Swafford, Lauren (Swafford) and James Bingham, Chase and Jessica Swafford, Jessica (Jackson) and Ben Angelette, Rachel (Jackson) and Chad Fockler, Tyler and Jessica Jackson, Kim (Swafford) and Pete Tapia, Chris and Laura Swafford, Heather Hodge and Tiffany Hodge; and 21 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Charley was preceded in death by one daughter, Lisa Ann Swafford; and one sister, Marilyn Sue Rooney.

Charley worked for J.E. Dunn as a carpenter for 10 years. He later owned and operated Swafford's Construction for 30 years before retiring. He was a member of the Richmond Masonic Lodge #57. He was a life member and past president of the Richmond Shrine Club, Coon Creek, Lafayette, Liberty, Lotawana, Oriental, Tribesman, Tri-County Shrine Clubs and Quetzalcoat. He was also a member of the Greeters. He was a Perpetual Temple Life Member of the Ararat Temple, where he was the Director of Shrine Clubs for 9 years. He was an Ambassador for Ararat Temple for 3 years. He was Shrine Club Director Emeritus in 2015. He was a past Worthy Patron of the O.E.S. Chapter #255 and was currently serving as the Associate Patron. He was Past President of Ray/Clay Coon Hunters Association. Charley was a member of the Richmond First Baptist Church. He lived in Richmond most of his life.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either the Shriner's Hospitals for Children or the Ararat Shrine Temple.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at the Richmond First Baptist Church. Visitation will be Friday, November 27, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Richmond First Baptist Church. A Masonic service will be Friday, November 27, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. at the church. Inurnment will be at a later date at the Richmond Memory Gardens Cemetery. Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond is in charge of these arrangements. On line condolences may be left on our website at www.thurmanfuneralhome.com