Michael Ray McSwain

Michael Ray McSwain was born on October 30, 1954 in Tishomingo Oklahoma to his Father Socky McSwain and Parents Ruel and Esther Fern Brown. Mike was welcomed to his heavenly home on October 27, 2022 at age 67 in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Mike was raised and spent most of his life in Troy, Oklahoma. He attended Troy Elementary and then graduated from Mill Creek High School. Mike grew up with a large family having eight sisters and three brothers. A soft spoken, simple quiet Indian is how most people knew and would describe Mike. He could go for hours not saying a word so when he did speak, you listened. He had either very wise words or a comical joke to tell you. You just never knew what he was thinking or what he was going to say. He was also known as one of the best concrete finishers in the area. He poured concrete for over fifty years. He took so much pride in his work and everyone he worked with said he had a talent and gift for his craft. His co-workers said he would be first on the job and the last one to leave. He was known to be tough as nails. When Mike wasn’t working you could find him down on Washita setting lines and fishing for catfish. He would drive his boat deep into the river and camp out on the banks of Washita for days. When he returned home you could bet he was hosting a fish fry. He was known not only as a great fisherman but also a wonderful cook. His catfish was the best in Johnston County. Those that fished with him have wonderful stories and memories to share. In his early teenage years, Mike worked in the hay fields and earned enough money to purchase his first guitar. He learned to play by ear and could play every musical instrument he picked up. He taught himself to play in his family cellar in Troy. He had a deep love for country music and you could hear that by how naturally he played. Later in his life, he was given a fiddle as a gift. He never went anywhere without his guitar and fiddle by his side. He was a singer and songwriter. He could tell a story with his music that could take you to a place back in time. Mike was also known as one of the best shade-tree mechanics in the area. He could take an old car or truck frame and build the vehicle back up making it look but more importantly sound good as new. He was a Ford man. He would rather drive older trucks than purchase a new one. Mike lived a life of simplicity. He loved his family and especially his grandchildren. He was a patient man who taught everyone around him good things come with time. Hard work will guide and teach you lessons more than any one person can. Mike’s friends and family joke about him not being really good at saying goodbye. He could be at work, family function, or dinner and he would say I’m going to step outside. Next thing you know, we would see him driving his old Ford truck down the road. So today, we are not saying goodbye, we are saying see you later. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Terry McSwain, Jeanetta Brown and Betty Parker. His best friend and brother-in-law Tommy Tisdell and his nephews Kevin Tisdell and Billy Joe Parker. He is survived by his children: Misty Chapman of Tishomingo. Brandy Cardinalle and her husband Jason of Ravia. Brison McSwain and his wife Amy of Tishomingo. His siblings: Jamie Brown and wife Monta, Donnie McSwain and wife Suzette Patricia Tisdell, Karen Jones, Sue Seabolt, Judy Balentine and husband John Darla Downs and husband David, Guyla Hart and her husband Mike. Grandchildren: Daylynn Beals and husband Mark, Meagan Cardinalle, Ashlyn Taylor Briscoe Hunter Chapman, Hayden Cardinalle, Aubree McSwain, Mason McSwain And one honorary grandchild Magnolia Dove Great Grandchildren: Kash Beals, Baker Beals, August Stoppiello Along with many nieces and nephews. Mike was loved by all who knew him. Pallbearers: Hunter Chapman, Hayden Cardinalle, Jason Kite, Marvin Yokum Jason Cardinalle and Jacob Hart Honorary Pallbearers: Mason McSwain, Rick Morse, Randy Graham, Stacy Tyson Terry Hughes, Dale Burton and all of Mike’s beloved nephews. Funeral Services to honor and celebrate Michael Ray McSwain will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday November 2, 2022 at the DeArman Clark Funeral Home Chapel in Tishomingo. Interment to follow at the Troy Cemetery. Family Hour will be held from 6:00-8:00 Tuesday November 1, 2022 at the DeArman Clark Funeral Home. Arrangements are entrusted to DeArman-Clark Funeral Home, 305 E. Main Street Tishomingo, Oklahoma 73460. Family and friends may leave kind words of comfort, special memories, and condolences to the family online at www.dearmanfuneralhome.com

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Michael Ray McSwain

October 30, 1954 - October 27, 2022