Birth date: May 25, 1935 Death date: Aug 29, 2024
Our dad, Dennis (Kelly, KD, Denny) was born in May of 1935 and went home to be with the Lord in August of 2024. He was the son of Della and Kelly Swift and was born into a home with three big sisters (Mae, Evelyn and Nell) who lov Read Obituary
I’m grateful to have a granddad that touched the lives of so many people in his community. We were incredibly blessed to have him present for all of our life milestones, big or small, and his giving nature will always be remembered. The joyful memories of his various costumes and contagious laughter can never be forgotten. He is forever loved & will be missed deeply.
Dennis was my grandfather. From the moment we were born, he stopped existing as Dennis and just became Grandaddy. The best grandfather, the most generous man. Every time I’d come visit he’d ask me two things: “Would you like any ice cream?” And “won’t you stay the night?” He was adored by the entire family and it was an honor to sit vigil by his bedside in his final hours.
He would dress up as Santa and go visit children or the elderly in nursing homes. He made us balloon animals on command. My favorite memory is one year when I was eight and it was a white Christmas, he stood outside dressed as a snowman and waved at us we all arrived. A magical man I truly and deeply loved.
I have been blessed to know the Swift family for almost fifty years. Dennis lived a wonderful life as a husband, father, friend and Christian example. He always had a smile and found great joy in bringing happiness to others. His Heavenly reward is richly deserved.
Dennis was like my second father and always treated me as one of the family. He was the epitome of what a Father and Husband should be, a good man, humble and gracious; always willing to help others; a man who lived a life of service to others. He was so proud of his family and rightly so. I loved you Mr. Swift!
Denette, Kristy and Scott - Your Dad was so proud of each of you. You may not have heard it as "their generation' was hesitant to give praise so as not to "boast" but your Dad would always tell me of your accomplishments. It was never boastful but full of love and pride and always evident by his warm smile - he was so proud of each of you!
Miriam, I am praying for you and asking God to lessen your sorrow if that is possible. You and Dennis were such an example of what true soulmates are and I know this period is so difficult. I love you and have you in my prayers.
And one tidbit of humor, I cannot remember what the incident was, but Scott the youngest of Dennis and Miriam's children, had done something; again I cannot remember what, and Miriam was scolding Scott about it. I happen to look over at Dennis and he was laughing (silently I may add) because at the time it was funny, maybe not to Miriam but it surely was to Dennis. If anything Dennis was careful!
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.
Rita Etter
Nashville
We will always cherish Dennis! He was the 'perfect' neighbor and always treated us as family. He would come over at Christmas in his Santa suit and spend time with our boys who couldn't believe Santa came to their house before Christmas Day! They got to sit in his lap and somehow he knew what they wanted for Christmas and even brought over a few small presents for them!
Dennis was so blessed to have Meriem as his wife who adored and cared for him until he peacefully passed. The entire Swift Family is one of a kind and I know they will miss their very beloved patriarch as our family will too. We are better off for knowing and spending time with Dennis and take comfort in the fact he is comfortable and with our Heavenly Father today.
What a great family and neighbor; I'll never forget after the flood of 2010 working on repairing our driveways, the days mowing grass, and just having a great neighbor to chat with when we saw each other outside. Missed for sure.
