Steven Swafford

Steven "Steve" Louis Swafford, 65, peacefully passed away on the morning of October 25th, 2025, at his home in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, after a brave and hard-fought battle with cancer. He was surrounded by love - with his wife of more than forty years, DeLana Rae Swafford, at his side - in a home just a few hundred yards from where his life began. Steve was born on July 3rd, 1960, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, to Herman Swafford and Glenda (Barks) Swafford. He was welcomed home by his sister Martha, who later married Walter Hauck and became the mother of two of Steve's four nephews, as well as one great-niece. A proud graduate of Cape Central High School, Class of 1978, Steve married the love of his life, DeLana - daughter of DeLain and Sandra Bendel - in 1984. Two years before, they moved to St. Louis, where Steve built a career as a software developer, first at Peabody Energy and later at Edward Jones. Together, Steve and DeLana built a life filled with laughter, hard work, and devotion. They raised two children, Emily Swafford, and Jack Swafford, who, together with his partner Alissa Keller, welcomed Steve's first granddaughter, Ensley Anne, born on the morning of October 25th, 2025 - symbolically joining the circle of life. Known for his quick wit, generous spirit, and steadfast sense of duty, Steve dedicated countless hours to volunteer work in his community of Kirkwood, Missouri, through his church, First Congregational Church of Webster Groves. Steve's legacy lives on in countless ways: His voice echoes in every act of activism and altruism. His breath rises with every cheer in Busch Stadium, where he loved rooting for the Cardinals. His stillness and peace linger in the woods of Bear Creek, where he found solace while hunting and fishing. His strength endures in the homes he helped build and restore - for family, friends, and even strangers, including during a mission trip to Guatemala. His playful energy lives on in every driver flying down a country back road, chasing the sunset as he did in his Mustang or on his motorcycle. In every lake, river, and stream where he fished or canoed, his spirit floats on. A celebration of Steve's life will be held Summer 2026 at Bear Creek in Lowndes, Missouri - a place where Steve, his family, and friends have always found peace, laughter, and sanctuary. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com. Ford & Sons Funeral Home - Mt. Auburn is in charge of arrangements.

Tributes

Steven Swafford

July 3, 1960 - October 25, 2025