Lloyd Robert Swart, 91, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025, at Logan County Hospital in Oakley, Kansas, surrounded by the love and laughter of his children—just the way he would have wanted it. A lifelong Oakley-area resident, Lloyd lived his life with purpose, passion, and a good story always ready to share.
From the time he bought his first tractor at 14, Lloyd was hooked on farming—and he never stopped. For more than 70 years, he worked the land with grit, wisdom, and joy, always ready to teach a thing or two (or three) about wheat, weather, and hard work. He served his country with pride in the U.S. Army’s 1st Field Artillery Unit, 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas, and brought that same spirit of service home to his community.
Lloyd was always at the heart of rural progress, helping bring electricity to western Kansas as a founding board member of the local REA. He also served on the Grinnell USD 291 school board, always believing in giving back and building up.
But if you knew Lloyd, you knew what he loved most— visiting. Whether chatting at the elevator, catching up at church, or waving from the driver’s seat of his truck, Lloyd never met a stranger. He had a gift for making people feel welcome, valued, and right at home. His storytelling, easy laugh, and genuine curiosity about others made every conversation a memorable one.
A man of deep faith, Lloyd was a lifelong member of the Oakley United Methodist Church and took on leadership roles with joy and humility. He also kept busy with the Oakley Masonic Lodge #668 (Master 8 times), the Logan County Shriners (President for 8 years), and served statewide with the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and Kansas Wheat Commission.
Lloyd was preceded in death by two wonderful wives, Betty (Durham) and Norma (Deyoe); his parents, George and Zula Swart; and a remarkable group of 13 siblings who surely had a lively reunion waiting for him: brothers Bill, Alf, Ernie, Don, John, and Lee; and sisters Dorothy Tatum, Georgia, Jessie Park, Bettie Burns, Ethel Smoots, Gladys Rowley, and Carol.
Left to carry on his legacy are his proud children: Linda (Brent) Logan, Lori (Troy) Sporer, and Ryan (Karen) Swart; his treasured grandchildren: Kelsey (Harrison) Jones, Spencer Childress, Savanah (Brian) Alpert, Abbey (Derek) Elliott, Madison Swart and fiancé Andrew Healey, and Marli Swart; and his adored great-grandkids Lincoln Jones, Ellie Elliott, and Annie Elliott.
Lloyd lived a life full of purpose, generosity, and connection. He leaves behind fields that will keep growing, a community that’s better for his presence, and a family that will always carry his stories, values, and love in their hearts. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered—often with a smile.
Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Oakley United Methodist Church. The funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 2, 2025, also at the church, with burial in the Oakley City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Logan County Healthcare Foundation, Logan County Community Foundation or the Oakley UMC and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com