Jerry Dean Swearengin, 82, of Fair Grove, was born on August 3, 1938 in Douglas County, MO to Lloyd and Bydge Swearengin. He passed away peacefully in his home on January 7, 2021.

Jerry married his wife, LaVon Swearengin (Huff), on July 1, 1960. Together, they owned and operated Jerry Swearengin Trucking Inc. for over 50 years. Jerry was a well-known and respected man, both in his personal and professional life. He carried himself with integrity, strength, and humility and was known for his hardworking character.

Jerry enjoyed tending to the cattle on his farm in Fair Grove and traveling the country with LaVon with their pulling truck. He began his pulling career in the early 80's by pulling garden tractors and served as the president of the Southern Missouri Garden Tractor Pulling Association. He eventually advanced to pulling Division 3 four-wheel drive pulling trucks with the MSTPA, winning the point championship with his truck, Overloaded. He then began pulling modified four-wheel drives with his truck, The Outlaw, and won point championship with the United States Hot Rod Association in 1997.

In 2004, LaVon led Jerry to a relationship with the Lord, and he was later baptized at Faith Baptist Church in Springfield. He spent his retirement working on his farm, traveling, and eventually caring for his beloved wife, who had Alzheimer's disease and passed away in 2016. In his remaining years, while battling lung cancer, Jerry spent time with his family and his dog, Disco.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, LaVon Swearengin; parents, Lloyd and Bydge Swearengin; brother, Vernon Swearengin; and sister, JoAnn Schmidt.

He is survived by his children, Karen Risner (Terry), Rick Swearengin (Sheryl), and Mike Swearengin (Melissa); twelve grandchildren; and ten great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, January 12, 2021 from 6-8 pm at Klingner-Cope at White Chapel, 5234 W. State Hwy EE (Division), Springfield. The service will be on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 11 am in the funeral home with burial to follow in White Chapel Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be made at www.klingnerfuneralhome.com .