John Wayne Swords

  John passed away peacefully on December 26, 2022 in Portland, OR. He was a loving husband, father, papa & ol’pop. He loved all his kids, with all his heart. 

  John was born on August 16, 1938, to John & Jessie Swords, in Portsmouth, OH. He wanted a change in his life, so he joined the Marines. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA. John served for four years. During this time he met the love of his life life, Joan. They married June 4, 1958 in Vista, CA. They started a family immediately and ended up having 5 children. John was a hardworking, dedicated man. He worked for Gavitt/Judd for 40+ years. He loved old country music & oldies, was a horseman, bowler, coach, and loved to take family trips exploring our beautiful country. He always loved family time.

  John unfortunately lost Joan in April, 1993. He left San Marcos and moved to Temecula. In 1994, he met and married his second wife, Verla. Sadly, she passed in October of 2012. Soon after, he loaded up and moved to Albany, OR. John loved Oregon. It was lush green, lots of trees, lakes and rivers. He even invested in a pontoon boat, “Papa’s Ark,” to enjoy with all his family. Eventually, he moved to Scappoose, OR. This is where he lived when he passed.

  John is survived by five children:
Pat & Jaci Morgan, John & Susan Swords, Dan & Julie Shaughnessy, Matt & Jodi Church and Jeri Schinsky, 14 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Rosemary Polack. He was preceded in death by his sister Betty McQuithy and his brother Jerry Lee Swords.

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