Thaddeus A. Swonger went home August 7, 2023 at 4:35 a.m. after a brief battle with bone cancer. He died at home with his wife and daughter at his side. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Rita Swonger; his children, Kathy Frank and husband, Robert Frank, Junior, Jeffrey Swonger and wife, Penny Swonger, Tim Swonger and wife Elizabeth Swonger; his sister, Anna Bailey; five grandchildren , eleven great-grandchildren and many close friends. Thaddeus was born in New Kensington, PA on Oct. 12 1934 and was preceded in death by his father and mother, Arlo and Ella Swonger; his two brothers, Don Swonger and Tim Swonger; and sister, Luella Glascow. As a young boy Thaddeus enjoyed playing in the woods and river with his older brother, Don. A favorite pastime when they were 10-12 years old was playing "chase" which consisted of one of them hiding in the bushes by the roadway while the other would stick out his thumb and hitch a ride. Then, the other would do the same and try to catch up to the first. He was known as "Taddy" as a child and "Tad" through his teen years. As an adult he went by "Thad" or "Thaddeus." Thaddeus graduated from East Forest H.S. in Marienville, PA and worked at the local glass factory before enlisting in the Army and marrying his sweetheart for life, Rita. After serving two years in Korea, he returned home and briefly attended Anderson College in Anderson, Indiana. Their daughter, Kathy, was born during this time and shortly thereafter they moved to Manassas, VA where their two sons, Jeffrey and Timothy were born. Thaddeus worked as a mail carrier for a few years and operated heavy equipment but always felt the pull of God on his life. In 1972 the family moved to Dallas, TX where he attended Christ for the Nations Bible College, graduating in 1974. From there they moved to Oklahoma City OK where they purchased their first home and raised their children. Thaddeus was a skilled carpenter and a man who could fix anything. He loved working with his hands and could build anything from a beautiful piece of furniture to a house, plumbing and wiring included. He loved automobiles and never missed the Indy 500. What consumed him most however, was an incredible love for his God and the desire to know Him intimately and teach others to do the same. He was always a leader in his church and a strong support to those he served for and under. Thaddeus legacy will always remain as a selfless man of God and enthusiastic joint-heir with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Services are pending at this time. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Thaddeus Albert Swonger, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. Memorial Service Bethany First Assembly of God Saturday, October 14, 2023 10:00 AM 4701 N. Rockwell Ave. Bethany, OK 73008