Kathryn Swink
Kathryn Swink, a beloved educator, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2024, in Durant, Okla., surrounded by her family, at the age of 93. Born on June 18, 1930 in Turkey, Texas, to parents James Elbert Loar and Mary Lee Gilland Loar, Kathryn was a shining example of dedication, compassion and lifelong learning.
Kathryn’s academic journey was nothing short of impressive. After graduating early from Fort Towson High School in just three years, she continued her education fervently. Kathryn attended Southeastern University in Durant, where she received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees, and furthered her studies at Texas Christian University in Ft. Worth. She constantly pursued higher education while raising her family, always striving to enhance her teaching qualifications.
On Aug. 21, 1948 in Wallar, Texas, Kathryn married the love of her life, Billy Lee Swink. Together, they built a strong family foundation and were blessed with four children: Jim Swink and wife, Patty, Elizabeth Worthy and husband, Tim, Tabby Gilbreath and husband, Randy –– all of Durant –– and Kathy Swink of Fort Towson. Kathryn’s legacy expanded to include 10 grandchildren, 26 greatgrandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren, with two more on the way, who all brought her immense joy.
Professionally, Kathryn was a trailblazer. Her teaching career spanned an inspiring 36 years, during which she taught in various cities across Texas and Oklahoma, including Ranger, Austin, Cotulla, Swink, Valliant and Soper. She was a certified reading specialist, a special education teacher, and even coached girls’ basketball in Cotulla, Texas. Kathryn was a pioneer for many improvements in elementary education in public schools in Oklahoma. Notably, she organized and taught one of the first kindergarten classes connected to public schools in the state. Kathryn’s dedication to her profession shone brightly when she spent 20 years teaching in Soper, Okla., alongside her husband, who served as the superintendent. She was honored as Teacher of the Year in Oklahoma, a testament to her exceptional impact on the lives of countless students. Kathryn’s interests and contributions extended beyond the classroom. She was instrumental in homeschooling two of her grandchildren and volunteered at both Goodland Christian Academy and Victory Life Academy. Kathryn found solace in her garden, joy in her painting, excitement in yard and garage sales, and pleasure in crafting. She also cherished the moments spent shopping sales and maintaining “grandma’s closet of goodies” for her family, whom she adored.
Kathryn was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Swink, in 1988, and her brothers: James, Robert, Charles and Frank Loar. Her loving and nurturing spirit will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, other family members, former students, and the countless lives she touched.
A visitation for Kathryn Swink will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at Holmes Coffey Murray Funeral. A service celebrating her life and legacy will take place at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 9, 2024 at Victory Life Church in Durant, Okla. The committal will follow on the same day at 3 p.m. at Fort Towson Cemetery. All funeral arrangements are being handled by Prater-Lampton-Mills & Coffey Funeral Home.
The family requests that donations be made to Fort Towson Cemetery Fund or Fort Towson Fire Department.
Kathryn Swink’s enduring influence as an educator will be fondly remembered, and her guiding light will continue to live on through her family and the many generations of students she inspired.
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