Leon Arden (Red) Swift

August 3, 1930 - July 29, 2013

Leon Arden (Red) Swift passed away on Monday, July 29, 2013, at Dowling Park, Florida where he had been a resident since 2009. Most of us remember Red introducing himself this way, "My name is Red Swift, but I'm not so red and not so swift." Red was born on August 3, 1930 in Sperry, Oklahoma. He served in the United States Air Force from 1948-1952 during the Korean Conflict. It was during this time he met Glenn Sevor from Madison, Florida. When Red and Glenn were discharged from the Air Force at Biloxi, Mississippi, in 1952, they came to Madison, Florida, Glenn's hometown. It was here that Red met Delores Holder. They were married on June 15, 1952, and made Madison their home. He worked for Bryan Electric and later was owner of the business. Two-thirds of the people in Madison have electricity because Red provided his services. He wired the Mansion, First Baptist Church, and numerous other buildings that we still enjoy today. He was a Gideon and very instrumental in the formation of the Little League Baseball Organization for the young folks of Madison. They attended Macedonia Baptist Church where he was ordained as a deacon in 1973. They have been members of First Baptist Church, Madison since 2008. He and wife celebrated their fiftieth anniversary June 15, 2002, with family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Delores, four children: Gay of Lee, Florida, Karen Wieland (Bob) of Madison, Florida, Leah Davis (Marvin) of Winter Springs, Florida, Bruce (Kristy) of Cincinnati, Ohio, ten grandchildren, four siblings: Burl Swift of Collinsville, Oklahoma, Christine Smith of Texas, Reva Dirickson of Collinsville, Oklahoma, and Harvey Swift of Claremore, Oklahoma and a host of friends. The family will receive friends Wednesday, July 31, 2013 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Beggs Funeral Home. The memorial service will be Thursday, August 1, 2013, at Madison First Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. with burial to follow in the Macedonia Cemetery. Remembrances may be made to Madison First Baptist Church building fund, Macedonia Cemetery Fund, Gideons International or to the charity of one's choice.