J anuary 9, 1938- December 11, 2022

O rval Allen Swain, Jr. commonly known as O.A or Junior, 84, passed away on December 11, 2022. O.A. was born January 9, 1938, in Wichita, Kansas to Orval and Ella (Ryman) Swain. O.A. grew up with his dad who owned his own mechanic's shop which is where O.A. learned his way around tools as he was a gopher "go for this tool and go for that tool" as well as a parts washer for his dad. As the baby of the family O.A. had his siblings Bob, Opal, Irene, Vera Mae, and Rosie busy watching over him.

O.A started rodeoing when he was 15 or 16 years old. He spent hours in the practice pen and did well as a Calf Roper. Later he did Steer Roping and tried out some Steer Wrestling. After attending and graduating from North High School in 1957 he worked as a farm hand and at Wichita Newspaper Union as a laborer until he joined the Army September 1960, serving his country until October 1963.

O.A . was united in marriage to his beautiful bride Mary Jane on June 16, 1962, in Wichita, Kansas and were faithfully devoted to each other for 60 years.

O nce out of the Army he went to work with Beech Aircraft since "now had a wife and squalling brat to take care of" and after being laid off multiple times decided to become self-employed. After a hunting trip to eastern Kansas, O.A. decided it would be a good choice to move and so in 1976 off the family went to their new home in eastern Kansas but were only there a few years as the family then moved to their current farm in Severy, Kansas in 1979.

O.A. was a livestock trader and regular attendee of the livestock auctions. With all the cattle and pigs being transported, O.A. eventually purchased a semi-truck/trailer to haul livestock. Later he became an Owner/Operator Semi-Truck Driver hauling cattle. O.A. was a self-taught mechanic and could make or fix just about anything and had fond memories of his younger years and the 1970 ¾ GMC V8 4 speed pick up that had been a wreck, but he bought it, then stripped it down and rebuilt completely. His children Dwain and Jane were O.A.'s farm helpers and mechanic "gophers" passing down the "gopher" legacy.

O.A. was usually found working to "make a dollar" but when he did take time away you would find him fishing in the boat on their pond or a very rare occasion taking the canoe out to the river for an evening of camping. O.A. loved animals. He was deeply attached to two of his dogs in his later years that he had affectionately named "Bad Dog" and "Baby." O.A had quite a personality and sense of humor who had some quick responses such as when asked how he slept last night his response was "With my eyes shut."

O.A is survived by his beloved wife Mary Jane; his children and their spouses. Son Dwain Swain and his wife, Cherry Swain; Daughter Jane Thurmon (Swain) and her husband Shawn Thurmon. Grandchildren Stacy, Renee, Zachary, Nathan, and Michael and great-grandchild Benjamin. O.A is also survived by sisters Irene Prince, and Rosie Thompson.

O.A is preceded in death by his parents; brother Bob Swain and sisters Vera Ramsey and Opal Eubanks.

A memorial service will be held for O.A on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Family Worship Center, 701 S. Atchison, El Dorado, KS.