Donald Roger Swafford, 70, of Novinger, Missouri, passed away Saturday (January 26, 2013) at his home, surrounded by his family.

The son of Pansy Margaret Lawrence, he was born September 16, 1942 in Putnam County, Missouri. On October 14, 1978 in Kirksville, Missouri, Donald was united in marriage to Sheila Hales.

Donald is survived by his wife Sheila of the home; two daughters, Melissa Ann Davis and husband, Matthew of Gower, MO and Jennifer Brownell and fiancée, Tim Schoonover of Green City, MO; two grandsons, Trae and Jace Brownell, as well as two step grandchildren, Brayden and Gracen Davis.

He was preceded in death by his mother.

Donald was a graduate from Adair County R-I High School in Novinger, with the Class of 1960, where he was considered an accomplished artist. He served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Conflict. Donald was a lifelong Jack- of- all-trades working a total of 50 years in heating, cooling, electrical and plumbing, as a Lennox dealer until retiring because of ill health.

Donald was a lifelong lover of trains and enjoyed building hundreds of O Scale models from scratch. He was recognized by the National Model Railroad Association, receiving numerous merit awards. Donald also earned the distinction as a Master Builder of Cars.

He was a life member of D.A.V.

Public visitation will be held Tuesday (January 29, 2013) from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

It was Donald’s wish to be cremated and a graveside service with military honors will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday (January 30, 2013) at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, MO, with Pastor Karen Coy officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Donald Swafford may be made to the Honor Flight, Inc. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.