BELLA VISTA — Jerry Burton Swafford,

79, of Bella Vista, Ark., died March 4, 2021, in Bella Vista. He was born Nov. 23,1941, in Fairfield, Iowa, the son of Paul and Ethel Bonar Swafford. He was an only child.

Jerry graduated from high school in Fairfield, Iowa, in 1960. He then spent 28 years working for the United States Post Office sorting and carrying mail, then retired in 1992 after eight years as a Postmaster in Center Point, Iowa. He lived in Fairfield, Oskaloosa, Cedar Rapids, and Center Point, Iowa, before retiring to warmer weather in Bella Vista, Ark.

Jerry loved hunting, fishing, and golfing. He looked forward to his golf trips every year with his longtime friends. They had stories to reminisce about for years. He either had a shotgun, fishing pole or golf club in his hands anytime he was outside, along with his springer spaniels by his side. When the weather was bad you could possibly find him at a slot machine where he seemed to be a natural winner. Jerry was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and diehard Dallas Cowboy fan.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Janet (Grab) of 46 years. He has three children, Wayne (Beth), Fairfield, Iowa, Laura Fulton, Cave Creek, Ariz., and David of Fairfield, Iowa. He also has four grandchildren, Chelsea (Jeremy) Huisman, Polk City, Iowa, Ashley Fulton, Lead, S.D., Paul, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Lucas, Perth, Australia. He was blessed with two great-grandchildren, Brynley and Camden Huisman.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents.

Many knew “Swaf” for his sarcastic sense of humor. He looked and acted gruff but a smirk and a twinkle in his eye could always be seen. He was surrounded by many friends that loved him and loved to tease him until he would smile. He was full of stories from his entire life that would bring joy and laughter to others, and he never got tired of telling them. He had a memory like no other and to this day, mention a name in Fairfield, Iowa; he could still quote their address.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 8, 2021, at Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th St., Rogers, Ark.

Online condolences at www.bentoncountyfuneral home.com . Memorial contributions to Circle of Life Hospice.

Remembrances can be made to Circle of Life Hospice.