Bobby Lee Swepston

Bobby Lee Swepston, 83, a resident of Stilwell, passed away at his residence on Saturday, November 9, 2024. He was born on May 18, 1941 in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, to the late R.L. Sweptson and Jayne Sweptson. Bobby was raised in the East Peavine Community near Stilwell in Adair County, Oklahoma.

Bobby attended grades 1 through 8 at East Peavine School then graduated from Stilwell High School at age 16.

Bobby joined the Army in March, 1959. He was first sent to Fort Hood, Texas, for basic training. Then he was sent to Fort Gordon, Georgia, for advanced training in Military Police. From there, he was sent to Camp Hanford, Washington, where he attained top military clearance for the Hanford Energy Commission. From there he was sent to Augsburg, Germany where he served as Military Police. While in Germany, he was bivouacked for 29 days while awaiting orders from President John F. Kennedy to fly to Africa to assist troops there during a time of turmoil in that area. Orders were terminated before he had to depart. He remained in Germany until his discharge date. He was honorably discharged April 5, 1962. He remained in the military reserve until March 1, 1965. 

After his military service, Bobby ran the Apco Station in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, for a number of years with his brother James Byrl Swepston. He and his brother then bought and operated B&J Salvage in Tahlequah until Jame's death in 1987. Bobby continued to operate the salvage until his retirement. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother; Jay Sweptson and a step-son; David Allen.

Survivors include his wife, Charlene, children, Robert Sweptson, Sarlynn Sweptson, and Coinda Sweptson, sister's; Barbara Bushnell, and Brenda Dumler-Brown, along with several grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and a host of loving friends.

Funeral Service will be 2 PM, Thursday, November 14, 2024 at First Christian Church, 306 N. 2nd Stilwell, OK, burial to follow with military honors at Downing Cemetery.

The family will receive friends before the Service from 12 PM until 2 PM at First Christian Church in Stilwell, OK.