Kenneth Norris Swanson was born February 24, 1929 in Vernon, Texas to Frances Emery and Mary Helen Swanson. In 1938 the family moved to Guthrie, Oklahoma.

The family of 7 brothers and 3 sisters who traveled all across the southwest of the country with their parents, working alongside them but Guthrie was always home. Kenneth served in the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Okinawa and Japan as a lineman during the rebuilding efforts after WWII.

He came home to Guthrie in 1950 and soon met Dorothy Canning, the girl who would steal his heart, working at The Melba Theater popcorn stand. The two fell in love and were married January 10, 1952. They were happy to be blessed with 5 sons, who survive him; Charley Dale and Lola Swanson of Guthrie, Kenny and Teresa Swanson of Midwest City, OK, Dennis and Lucy Swanson of Guthrie, Joe and Terri Swanson of Woodbridge, VA, and John Mark and Michelle Swanson of Guthrie. He is Papaw to 16 grandchildren, 28 (almost 29) great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren who love him and will miss him. He is also survived by his siblings Charles and Mary Ann Swanson, Rita Swanson, Relta and Burl Bolinger, Tom and Ida Swanson, Mike and Alma Swanson and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Mary Francis Buckles, and brothers, Jerry Swanson, Billy Joe Swanson, and Steve Swanson.

Kenneth passed peacefully from this world on December 13, 2017, surrounded by the love of his family, and especially his sweetheart, Dorothy, who never left his side.

There will be a graveside service Monday, December 18, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at Pleasant Hill Cemetery at the southwest corner of Waterloo Rd. and Sooner Rd. Services are under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home.

There will be no viewing but the guestbook will be available to sign at Smith-Gallo Funeral Home, 220 North 1st St., Guthrie, OK 73044.