Thomas Cristol Swaringen, 1933–2021

Thomas Cristol Swaringen died in Lubbock, Texas, on February 20, 2021, at the age of 87. Cristol was born on September 5, 1933, to Claude and Faye Spears Swaringen. Cristol married his high school sweetheart, Maude Elizabeth Edwards, on June 22, 1951 in Dickens, Texas. They had two children. Cristol was a farmer his whole life, even driving a tractor two weeks ago. He was a member of Dickens Baptist Church and a deacon for over 40 years.

Cristol is survived by his wife of 69 years, Maude Swaringen of Dickens; one brother, Grady Swaringen of Graham, Texas; one sister, Betty Evans and husband Foster, of Rockwall, Texas; a son, Tommy Swaringen and wife, Peggy of Dickens; five grandkids, Kelly Smith and wife, Tami of Liberty Hill, Texas, Tony Smith and wife, Elena, of Austin, Texas, Becky Fletcher and husband, Hadley of Lubbock, Kevin Swaringen and wife, Alysia, of Dickens, and Amy Tagle of Spur, Texas. He had 18 great-grandkids and one great-great-grandson.

Cristol is preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Faye Swaringen, and his daughter, Vickie Smith. Graveside services were held Wednesday, February 24, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. in the Dickens Cemetery with Jesse Gillham officiating the ceremony under the direction of Zapata Funeral Home. Pallbearers included Kelly Smith, Tony Smith, Hadley Fletcher, Kevin Swaringen, Leo Day and Lance Harris.