Donald Lee Swanson

Donald Lee Swanson (84) passed away on January 11, 2026 at Park West Hospital. Born in Enid Oklahoma on December 2, 1941 to Harold Swanson and Violet Mason Swanson. 

Don attended Beggs High School. Upon graduation, Don and three of his friends decided to enlist in the Army. When they arrived at the Army Enlistment center, they were told that they already had their quota for the month. Not willing to wait another month, they immediately went across the street to the Navy Enlistment Center and signed up. After boot camp and basic training, he was accepted into the Submarine Service. He served on everything from diesel boats to nuclear power submarines. A career that spanned 31 magnificent years.

After retiring from the Navy in 1991, he spent some time in Oklahoma with his mom and then went to California to reconnect with his children and grandchildren. He spent the next 17 years in various administrative capacities before retiring a second time in 2008

In 1992, he met Diana Nielsen Swanson. It was love at first sight and they were married in 1993. Along with Diana came her parents, two children, and five grandchildren.

During their 33 years together, they went on many adventures and made many wonderful memories. They resided in California, New Mexico, and finally ended up in Tennessee, a place they proudly called home the last four plus years.

Don enjoyed eating, golf, playing cards, dominos and taking his dogs for their daily ride to get Diana her Dr Pepper.

Don is preceded in death by his parents Harold and Violet Swanson, his brother, Harold Swanson Jr., his sister, Debbie Swanson, and his second parents, Father-in-Law, Vernon Nielsen, and Mother-in-Law, Dorothy Nielsen, and Brother-in-Law, Larry Nielsen (Nadine).

Don is survived by his wife Diana Swanson, 2 golden doodles (Murphy and Cooper), 2 children (Kimberlee Darby Jacobson (David) and Brian Swanson (June), 2 step children, Tina Donahue Lopez (Victor), and Justin Dean (JD) Eickbush), 12 grandchildren (Breann Moore (Jonathan), Brandyn Darby, Cera Morales (Bobby), Tierney Darby (Jimmy Slackasone), Nalani Swanson (Chris Pfeiffer), Nathaniel Swanson, Matthew Swanson (Roxy), Cindi Donahue (Jason Custer), Mark Donahue, Matthew Donahue (Ciera), Devon Eickbush (Hannah Hart), and Shayla Eickbush), and 16 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Mynatt Funeral Home, Powell Chapel on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 2:00 pm. A reception will immediately follow services at the couple’s home.

Mynatt Funeral Home, Powell Chapel is in charge of final arrangements.