BUCKLIN – John Ford Swayze, 85, died Saturday, December 25, 2021 at his home in Bucklin.

He was born July 25, 1936 in Dodge City, the son of John Charles and Mildred (Ford) Swayze. John graduated from Bucklin High School in 1954 and Fort Hays State University in 1958.  He was a longtime Bucklin area resident and was a farmer and rancher throughout his life. On July 10, 1971, he married Carol Fletcher at the Christian Church in Bucklin.

He attended Wilroads Gardens Christian Church and was a member of the Kansas Livestock Association. He served as a Ford County Commissioner from 2003 to 2011 as well as 13 years on the Bucklin School Board. He was also active in the American Agriculture Movement, driving a tractor to Washington D.C. in 1979. John enjoyed water and snow skiing, dancing, cattle trail rides, serving up delicious pit barbecue, as well as taking in all his childrens' activities.

Survivors include: his wife of 50 years, Carol; their children, Fletcher Swayze and wife Eva, Kingsdown, Danielle Imel and husband Matt, Bucklin and Kami McDonald and husband, Damon, Garden City; 2 sisters, Char Kirkpatrick, Bucklin and Lynn Stenzel and husband Vern, Pueblo, Colorado; 5 grandchildren, Faith Imel, Nathan Imel, Kate McDonald, Kaylee McDonald and Drew McDonald.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Kenneth Lee Swayze, a sister, Shirley Ann Rainman, and a grandson, Jonathan Imel.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at the Worship Center, Bucklin, with Jeff Hiers officiating.  Burial will follow at the Bucklin Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Monday at Minnis Mortuary, Bucklin.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Hospice of the Prairie or the Bucklin American Legion, both in care of Minnis Mortuary, 1901 N. 14 ^th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.