Oscar Swafford 1917 - 2010 Oscar Swafford, 92, went to the Lord, Sunday, March 21, 2010, in Bakersfield, CA. Graveside services will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Garden of Peace on March 31, 10:00 a.m. Memorial services will follow at 11:00 a.m., Calvary Bible Church, 4850 Manor St. Pastor Ted Duncan and Don Bertrand will officiate. Oscar Swafford was born in Barbourville, KY on December 14, 1917. He was the only child of Reed and Phoebe Swafford. He graduated from Barbourville High School. During the Great Depression, he worked his way through college. He began at Union College and graduated from eastern Kentucky State Teachers College as a Mathematics major. His first teaching duty was a one room school house - all 12 grades - in Stinking Creek, KY. He progressed to additional Kentucky schools, finally as Principal of Harlan High School. While teaching, he earned a Masters degree from the University of Kentucky. After obtaining a Masters degree, he began teaching in Cincinnati where he completed his career. While in Cincinnati, he continued his education, pursuing and achieving a Doctorate degree. He was highly regarded and loved by his students. He touched the lives of many high school students. He was one of the first in the United States to teach Calculus in high school, beginning in 1962. When not going to school or teaching, he pursued many activities. He always kept a very large vegetable garden. Living on a lake for a number of years allowed him to fish almost year round. He greatly enjoyed almost every sport. He was greatly competitive and very serious about bowling - achieving a perfect game. Upon retirement, after 40 years of teaching, he moved to Bakersfield. He became an avid golfer with the encouragement of his great friend, Fred Walker. Two holes in one kept him going. They were also motor home enthusiasts. The center of his life in Bakersfield was his church, Calvary Bible. He worked tirelessly in his church and formed many friendships. He was completely devoted to his church and family. He is preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife of 52 years, Helen Swafford. He is survived by his son, Albert Swafford and daughter-in-law Solveig; three grandchildren, Dana Schamblin, Kyle Swafford and Karine Husband. He also leaves six great grandchildren, Connor, Kathea, Ryker, Sophia, Cecily and Caprice. In lieu of flowers, the family requests consideration of donations to Calvary Bible Church. www.bakersfield.com/obits
Published in Bakersfield Californian on March 23, 2010