Donald Gene Swain of Blackwell, Oklahoma, and former resident of Ponca City, Oklahoma, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 22, 2010, at the age of 80 years.

Don was born on January 18, 1930, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, to Frank and Lula (Grayson) Swain. He attended Ponca City Public Schools graduating in 1949. Following his education he entered the United States Navy serving on the USS Cowel.

He married Doris Ann Watson on April 10, 1960, in Coffeyville, Kansas, and to this union came four children.

Don worked for the Blackwell Zinc Company until the smelter closed in 1974. He then began working as a motor grader operator for Kay County District 3 until his retirement in the early 1990's.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church and Veterans of Foreign Wars in Blackwell. He loved hunting, fishing, bowling and spending time with his family. Don began umpiring while his children were playing baseball and softball. His love of umpiring allowed him to travel the state of Oklahoma calling various softball tournaments. Don was honored for his many years of service by being inducted into the ASA Softball Hall of Fame in 1987.

In later years he enjoyed feeding and watching birds and attending his grandchildren's sporting activities. He also served as a volunteer for the Good Buy Store even while taking his cancer treatments.

He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Doris Swain of Blackwell, Oklahoma; three sons, Steve Swain and wife Labrenda of Haysville, Kansas, Stan Swain and wife Lori of Ponca City, Oklahoma, and David Swain and wife Kathleen of Blackwell, Oklahoma; his daughter, Debbie Johnson and husband Steve of Enid, Oklahoma; his brother, Earl Swain and wife Louise of Euless, Texas; and seven grandchildren, Jason, Justin, Blake, Jessica and Josh Swain and LaTisha and Kyle Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters; two brothers; a grandson; and four great grandsons.

Services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 26th in the First Baptist Church in Blackwell with the Rev. Rick Longcrier of First Baptist Church in Miami, Oklahoma, officiating. Burial will follow in the Resthaven Cemetery in Ponca City, Oklahoma.

Serving as casketbearers will be Vincent Anderson, Rex Purdy, Chester Anderson, Virgil Ackerson, Steve Woodruff and Rex Ackerson. Honorary casketbearers will be his seven grandchildren, Jason Swain, Justin, Swain, Blake Swain, Jessica Swain, Josh Swain, LaTisha Johnson and Kyle Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the Blackwell Softball Association Complex for bleachers and scoreboards in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.