Duane Leroy Swoveland, 84, died Aug. 14, 2026.

Duane was born Dec. 10, 1941, in Mishawaka, Indiana, to William Adrian Swoveland and Charlotte Mary Lanning Swoveland. In 1947, his family moved to Olmito, Texas, where he spent much of his childhood. The family later moved to McGregor, Texas, where Duane graduated from McGregor High School in 1960.

It was in McGregor that Duane met Lynda Ann McKamie at the local skating rink. The two eloped on Jan. 24, 1961, in Tyler, Texas, where Duane was attending Tyler Junior College. Their marriage spanned more than 64 years, until Lynda’s death in 2025.

Over the course of his career, Duane became an expert witness in litigation, drawing on his professional knowledge and experience to provide testimony in legal proceedings.

Outside of his work, two of Duane’s great talents were singing and woodworking. He served churches over the years as a choir member and music minister, sharing a voice that became an important part of both his faith and his family’s memories of him. The loss of that voice later in his life was deeply felt, but the years he spent using it in service to others remained an important part of who he was.

Over the years, he built furniture and other pieces for his family, many of which remain in their homes today. What began with his hands became part of his family’s everyday lives and will continue to be used and treasured for years to come.

Duane also loved a good game of 42. During his time in Providence Village, he became such a sought-after player that there was often competition over who would get to be his partner, a distinction he undoubtedly earned one domino at a time.

Duane is survived by his children, Jay (Joyce) and Tammy Baggett (Rick); his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his sister, Kathy (Jim). He was preceded in death by his parents, William Adrian Swoveland and Charlotte Mary Lanning Swoveland; his wife, Lynda Ann McKamie Swoveland; his brothers: George (Nell), William (Dee), and Merlin (Georgia); and his sisters Carol (Wayne) and Sharon.

A private, family celebration of Duane’s life will be held in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your church’s mission programs in Duane’s memory.