Mr. Elmer E. Swain, husband of Patti Kay, passed away Friday, January 5, 2024 at the age of 80, in Tioga, ND after being sick and suffering a massive heart attack.

Elmer was born June 01, 1943 in Brownsville, Tennessee to Mary Edith (Cleek) Swain and Jessie Joe Swain, along with 8 brothers, Utah, Jessie Paul, Franklin, Junior, Raymond, Jimmy, David and Leonard; and 3 sisters, Pauline, Edith Womack and Margaret, who all preceded him in death.

In the summer of 1970, Elmer met the love of his life, Patti Hogan. They dated for a while then ran off and got married on January 15, 1971 in Mexico.

Elmer along with his wife, Patti settled in White Earth, ND for the last 9 years. He traveled all over the world and lived in several states, including Tennessee, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Texas.

Elmer served proudly in the Army from July of 1961 until February of 1970 completing 8 years, 4 months. While in the Army he went to Ranger school, Special Forces, Jump school and Jungle Warfare school. He was stationed in Germany, Vietnam for 2 tours and Korea. Elmer served Honorably, in March 2023 he was recognized by President Obama, Trump and Biden for his time in Vietnam and received his welcome home hero.

He touched the hearts of many, for some he was family, best friend to many, a father figure to several. His house was always filled with laughter and happiness. He was a roofer, carpenter, and worked on pipelines. Elmer never met a stranger. He loved to fish, spend time with his kids, grandkids, loved to tell stories, play around but most importantly he loved to see his wife Patti smile. He is loved by all and will truly be missed.

Elmer is survived by his wife, Patti Kay (Hogan) Swain of 51 wonderful years. He had 2 sons, Jessie Joe Swain of Tioga, ND and Billy Jack Swain of Clinton, OK; 2 daughters, Niesha Lynn (Swain) Bullard of Granbury, TX and Felisha Kay Oker and Brandon Oker of Boliver, MO; 9 grandchildren, SabrinaLee M. Rainey, Cody W Bullard, Faithlynn Oker, AJ Oker, Kaden Oker, Braden Swain, Brooklyn Oden, Jennavive Isbell and Joshua Bryant; 3 great-grandchildren, ZaydenLee Berkley, Nxylynn Berkley and Sailor Shadwell.