Robert Lewis Swanda, 69, passed away February 3, 2025, at his home in Apache, surrounded by his wife and children.

Rob was born August 4, 1955, in Anadarko, Oklahoma to Danny and Mary Joyce (Claborn) Swanda. He attended and graduated from Apache High School in 1973. He then attended Cameron University and received a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1977.

Rob was an avid hunter, collector of history, and musician. Rob hunted many things from deer, elk, and caribou to pheasant and quail with his Llewellin Setter Hattie. Rain or shine, sleet or snow those two traveled far and wide for birds to hunt. He instilled the same passion for the great outdoors in his children. Rob loved history and had a passion for preservation that he inherited from his mother and father. He was a member and later the president of The Apache Historical Society. He helped raise money for the museum's restoration which is currently still under renovation. Rob was a member of the band Pegasus, The Actors, and finally The Grissleheads. He received his first guitar at 17 and taught himself how to play by listening to his records over and over until it sounded right. He and his bandmates played all over the United States. He passed his love of music to the many students he taught over the years.

Rob was a member of The First Christian Church of Apache for 61 years and served as a deacon for some of that time. Rob bought his father's insurance business in 1994 where he continued the family business for the next 28 years, retiring in 2024. Rob married his longtime girlfriend Lea Ann Washburn on September 7, 2024. Lea Ann lovingly and diligently cared for Rob not only in his last months but for the 11½ years they were together.

Rob is survived by his wife of the home, his father Danny Swanda of Apache, his son Dylan Swanda and wife Carly of Oklahoma City, his daughter Sierra Williams and husband Kolby of Anadarko, his daughter Emma Swanda and fiancé Ethan Ellis of Snyder, his stepdaughter Shelby Washburn of Apache, His stepdaughter Bethany Washburn of Tulsa, and his grandchildren Wrenlee Williams, "Baby" Swanda who will be born in April, brother Kent and Tamey Swanda of Apache, brother Dayne and Nina Swanda of Apache, nephew Bryan and Deanna Swanda of Apache, niece Samantha and Bill Noethlich of Raymond, South Dakota, niece Kassie Pettit of Apache, and great nieces and nephews, Owen Noethlich, Danny Swanda, Claire Noethlich, Elsie Noethlich, Parker Pettit, Maeve Noethlich, and a whole host of family and friends whom he loved dearly.

Rob was proceeded in death by his nephew Chandler Pettit, his mother Mary Joyce Swanda, his niece Summer Swanda, maternal grandparents, Robert and Roberta Claborn, and paternal grandparents, Louis and Dollie Swanda, and many other beloved family members.

The funeral services will be held Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 11:00 am at The Warrior Event Center in Apache, Oklahoma with Minister Jim Hall officiating. Interment will follow in the Fairview Cemetery in Apache. There will be a viewing on Thursday, February 6, from 10:00am-7:00pm, and a family visitation on Friday, February 7, from 5:00-6:30pm at Crews Funeral Home in Apache, OK.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that any donations be made to The Apache Historical Society.

Online condolences may be made at www.crewsfh.com.

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