Eugene "Pops" Swinford's Obituary
Eugene Swinford, 93, of Decatur, passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at St. Johns Hospital, Springfield, IL.
Eugene was born in Decatur, Illinois, to Ruby and Lester Swinford on November 30, 1932. Gene lived his whole life in Decatur. He attended Decatur High School and was an avid Running Reds fan. Gene left school and later earned his GED.
Eugene married Norma J. Beals on January 20, 1952, in Decatur. Gene and Norma celebrated 70 years & 7 months of marriage. Out of this union they had one daughter, Karen J. Davis.
Gene began his career at Signal Depot, then worked at Ornamental Metal, Mueller Company, and PPG. He later joined Caterpillar Inc., where he completed his career.
Gene enjoyed collaborating with his wife doing all types of projects around the house. They worked together as a team which made their marriage such a wonderful success. A friend of their daughter once asked them what they did for fun and they replied, “work”.
Through his various journeys, he would pick up the nickname of "Pops". He would love to talk all things racing to anyone who would lend an ear to do so. It was this love that made him a familiar figure everywhere he went, and why he was adored by so many outside his loving family.
Through his travels to countless races, there were many wild stories, crazy happenings, and memories made. From multiple motor and transmission issues on various trips to Eldora and Fairbury in the RV, to many incredible on-track moments, there is no lack of a good story or memory, not just of the race itself, but everything around it.
Gene was proud of his daughter, Karen, and both her sons, Matthew and Patrick.
Matthew participated in Special Olympics on May 1, 2026, for his group home, Coolidge in Charleston, IL, and won a Gold and Silver Medal and will go to state in June. When the family went to see Gene on May 1, 2026, they told him what Matthew had won. Dad and Mom were always proud of Matthew’s accomplishments.
Patrick currently works for FloSports doing his dream job, and Grandpa was enormously proud of his accomplishments. When Grandpa could no longer go to the races, he would watch the races on FloRacing.
Grandma & Grandpa got their little dog (Missy) right before the COVID shutdown in 2020. Missy was grandma’s lap buddy and baby. Upon her death in 2022 she became papa’s little shadow and woke him up every morning whether he was ready or not.
Eugene is survived by his daughter, Karen Davis; his grandsons, Matthew Davis and Patrick Davis; his cousins, Linda Harrelson and Donnie Morthland; his nieces, Susan Jones (Larry), Cathy Mekus (Dave), and Nancy Quimby (Joe); and his nephew, Bob Beal (Robin).
Eugene is preceded in death by his wife, Norma; his parents, Ruby & Lester Swinford; grandparents, Bill & Lydia Swinford; parents-in-law, Hesper & Bryan Beals; brother & sister-in-law Robert J Beals (Lois), sister & brother-in-law Helen Ditty (Bill).
Gene never saw a stranger; Pops will be missed by so many that knew and loved him.
The family of Eugene Swinford wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the nurses at St. John’s Hospital on the ICU floor and Hospice floor. We also want to thank our dear family friend Pastor Blake Thomson of Revival Culture Church.
Visitation for Eugene Swinford will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Funeral will take place at the funeral home the following day, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 11:00 AM, officiated by Pastor Blake Thompson. Burial to follow in Graceland Cemetery.
Obituary written by Gene’s loving family.
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