Myrl was the third born child of Sadie Byrne and Odus Swinford. His family moved from Olney, Illinois to Joliet, Illinois in about 1919. In 1938 he married Lois Struck and they had three children (Janice, Ron and Dale). Myrl worked for the gas company.

OBITUARY (Published in Herald News from September 25 to September 26, 2010):
Myrl N. Swinford Age 95, of Joliet, passed away Friday, September 24, 2010 at Joliet Hospice Home, surrounded by his loving family. Myrl retired from NICOR after 44 years of service as an accountant. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Joliet Elks Lodge where he was Past Exalted Ruler, and the Joliet Moose Lodge. He also enjoyed golfing and all sports. Surviving are his beloved wife of 72 years, Lois C. (nee Strunk) Swinford; his daughter, Janice (Dave) Kettwig of Tucson, AZ; his son, Dale R. (Shirley) Swinford of Naperville; eight grandchildren, Jeffrey (Bernadette) Kettwig, Angie (Ted) Hutten, Kathleen (Kevin) Tully, Greg Swinford, Sara (Rick) Papp, Nicole (Rob) Weiler, Adam Swinford, and Eleni (George) Marks; 13 great grandchildren; one sister, Adeline (Vernon) Zegers; and many nieces and nephews. Preceded by one son, Ronald Myrl Swinford (1980); his parents, Odus and Sadie (Byrne) Swinford; and three brothers, Loren, Harold and Robert. Funeral services for Myrl Swinford will be Monday, September 27, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home chapel. Rev. Michael Hickok will officiate. Interment will be in Woodlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials to United Cerebral Palsy or Joliet Area Community Hospice would be appreciated. Visitation Sunday, 2-6 p.m. at: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rd., Joliet For information (815) 741-5500 www.fredcdames.com