Marlene Marie & Ira Wayne Swink

Graveside services for Marlene Marie Swink, 87, and Ira Wayne Swink, 92, of Huntington will be held Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Huntington Oddfellows Cemetery with Gary Weaver officiating.

Mrs. Swink was born June 2, 1939 in Post, Texas to the late Blanche Marie (Luttrell) and Raymond Franklin Willis, and died Tuesday, June 2, 2026 in a local nursing home.

Mr. Swink was born August 7, 1933 in Aspermont, Texas to the late Ophelia (McLaury) and Welon Burr Swink, and died Thursday, June 4, 2026 in a local nursing home.

Marlene lived a life overflowing with love, faith, and care for others. She loved the Lord with all her heart and made it her mission to teach her children and family not only to know God, but to have a true relationship with Him. From a young age, Marlene naturally stepped into the role of caregiver, helping raise her siblings and nurturing those around her with compassion and grace. Her kindness extended far beyond family; so much so that even residents and nurses at her nursing home lovingly called her “Mom.” She had a remarkable way of making people feel welcomed, valued, and deeply loved.

In her younger years, Marlene worked as a model for women’s high-fashion stores, carrying herself with beauty and elegance that never faded. She loved beautiful things, especially the roses her beloved husband, Wayne, would grow and lovingly pick for her. Gifted in interior decorating, she had a special talent for making a house feel warm, inviting, and full of life. Marlene was often the center of the room; not because she demanded attention, but because joy naturally gathered around her. She made life fun, especially for her grandchildren, creating memories filled with laughter and love.

Thanksgiving was her treasured holiday and became the family’s great annual gathering. Missing Thanksgiving with Mom simply was not an option unless you were in the hospital or worse. Though the meal might run late and the food occasionally cooled before the blessing was finally said, the warmth, laughter, and togetherness she created made every gathering unforgettable. Marlene had an incredible memory for names, birthdays, and phone numbers, and she was always the person others turned to when they needed help, advice, or comfort. She taught the women in her family how to carry themselves with grace, and the men how to treat women with kindness and respect. Marlene Marie Swink was deeply loved and will be dearly missed by all blessed enough to have known her.

Wayne lived a life defined by hard work, faith, intelligence, and unwavering devotion to his family. Born on a dirt floor, Wayne’s story was one of determination and perseverance from the very beginning. Exceptionally bright, he skipped two grades and entered college at just 16 years old, becoming the first person in his family to attend college. While attending Texas Tech, he worked as a security guard and even served on motorcycle patrol for the campus. He graduated in 1956 with a degree in Agricultural Science and went on to work professionally as an agronomist for many years. A lifelong learner, Wayne never stopped teaching himself new skills, whether fixing machinery, mastering technology, or solving whatever problem came before him.

Wayne had a deep love for growing things and took immense pride in his gardens, greenhouse, and yard, all of which he maintained with remarkable care. Every winter he carefully moved delicate plants into the greenhouse to protect them until spring, turning his backyard into what many considered a botanical garden. He also loved pheasant hunting and airplanes and could identify nearly every aircraft by make and model. He had a special fondness for old-fashioned molasses, often traveling to Henderson to watch the mules grind sugar cane and bring home jars while the molasses was still warm. For 68 years of marriage, Wayne faithfully brought flowers to his beloved Marlene - grown in his garden, freshly picked, or carefully purchased - never letting time diminish the importance of that simple act of love.

A man of integrity and deep faith, Wayne spent his life helping others and making sure those around him were cared for. He owned the local feed store from 1968 until 1982, and even after its closing, he continued working tirelessly to provide for his family. He and Marlene were members of Timber Creek Church and taught Sunday school together for many years, and Wayne faithfully served as a deacon. He served as president of the Aspermont ISD school board, believing strongly in both faith and education.

Though naturally quiet, he was a gifted storyteller once you drew him out, sharing wisdom, memories, and advice that stayed with people long after the conversation ended. Ira Wayne Swink was an honorable man whose strength, generosity, and steadfast love will be remembered always.

Marlene was survived by her husband, Ira Wayne Swink of Huntington; children and their spouses, James and Devon Swink of Huntington, Carrie and Gary Weaver of Jasper, Stephen and Dionne Swink of Shelbyville, Tennessee, Jodi and Jeff Davis of Clovis, New Mexico; 25 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Rosemary Tomasi and husband Johnny of San Antonio, Kathy Willis of California; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Bobby Willis and Raymond Willis; and sisters, Joyce Schwartz and Judy Willis-Ramos.

Wayne is survived by his children and their spouses, James and Devon Swink of Huntington, Carrie and Gary Weaver of Jasper, Stephen and Dionne Swink of Shelbyville, Tennessee, Jodi and Jeff Davis of Clovis, New Mexico; 25 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Lyeta Dickerson of Aspermont and Yvonne Shipp of Burnet; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ivy and Kay Swink of Aspermont, Bill and Nancy Swink of Stanton, Travis and Karen Swink of Spearman, Donnie and Reba Swink of Crosbyton, Jerry and Kathy Swink of Decatur, and Troy and Juanita Swink of Aspermont; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marlene Marie Swink; and brother, H.W. Swink.

Pallbearers will be Jason Swink, Taylor Keller, Jacob Stewart, Dillon Royer, Wyatt Swink, Scooby Larson, Trae Powell, and Trent Powell.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday evening at Carroway Funeral Home in Huntington.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Huntington, directors.