Raymond Swear

December 10, 1933 – December 24, 2021

Raymond Donald Swear, former resident of Moses Lake, passed away on Dec. 24, 2021, in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.

Ray was born in Marrero, Louisiana, on Dec. 10, 1933, to George and Coma Swear. He worked on the family dairy in Louisiana, then their ranch and orchards in Delhi, California. After high school, he joined the Army and served honorably in the Korean War. After the service, he worked various jobs until he discovered long-haul trucking, which he thoroughly enjoyed. After driving for many years, he changed the pace and became a locksmith in Sacramento, California. He eventually moved to Moses Lake and started his own business, Moses Lake Lock and Safe. He was a well-liked and respected member of the community.

In 2013, he sold his business and moved to Vista, California, to live with his niece, Patti Swear Smith (Mike), and in 2020, they all relocated to Defuniak Springs, Florida. He was thrilled to reunite with his East Coast nieces and nephews, and they enjoyed hearing about all of his adventures and family history.

Meeting him in Heaven are his parents George and Coma Swear; son Donald Ray; brothers Harold, Bennard, George, John and Edwin; and sister Dorothy Wolfe. He will be missed by his family, friends and dedicated caregivers Emilio Abilo of Vista, California and Debbie Lowe of Defuniak Springs, Florida. He will be fondly remembered for his unparalleled generosity and incredible sense of humor, especially his hilarious one-liners, and when anyone said good-bye to him, he always said, “Be careful,” then winked and added, “I didn’t say be good, just careful.”

A memorial service will be held at the Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola at a later date. In lieu of flowers or cards, please donate to Tunnels to Towers or Wounded Warriors.