Harold William Swailes

Harold W. Swailes, 87, of Olds passed away at his home on Saturday, November 29, 2025.

Harold was born on June 4, 1938, in Mount Pleasant, the son of Arthur Thomas and Erma Frances (Brownell) Swailes.  He graduated from Olds High School in 1956. Harold worked at the Spahn and Rose Lumber Yard in Olds and for several local farmers before he began working for the Henry County Secondary Roads Department as a road grader retiring in 2000 after 38 years. He enjoyed hunting and trapping. He always raised a large garden and was proud to give his produce to friends and family. Over the years he has fixed many bikes for the local kids in town. He enjoyed woodworking.  Most Saturday nights you would find him at the car races.  Harold enjoyed spending time with his friend’s drinking coffee at the Saint Avenue Stop and most importantly spending time with his family.

Those thankful for sharing in his life include his children, Artie (Cami) Swailes of Sioux City and Treasa Swailes of Washington, his daughter-in-law, Sherry Swailes of West Chester, and his grandchildren, Ryan, Chelsey, Kenny, Alixzandra, Gabrielle and William, his great grandchildren, Kayden, Kellyn, Kemsley, Carver, Trey, Berkley, Imari, Malachi, Sophya, Athena, Paul and Caleb, his brother, James (Madeline) Swailes of Mount Pleasant and his two sisters, Janice (Jack) Murphy of Lockridge and Betty Farley of Mount Pleasant along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Bruce Swailes, one grandson, Brandon Swailes, two great grandsons, Isaiah Swailes and Ryan Schafer, his brother, Robert Arthur Swailes and his brother-in-law, Dave Farley.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant with Pastor Steve English officiating.  Burial will follow in the Grant Cemetery.  Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 4, 2025, where the family will be present from 4 to 7 p.m. that evening.  Memorials may be directed to the Iowa SIDS Foundation or to Hospice Compassus in his memory.

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