Blake Swain (Bolivar)'s Obituary
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Blake Victor Swain, a beloved husband, father, father-figure, grandpa, pappa, and friend, who left us on February 21, 2025 at the age of 61.
His greatest legacy will forever be the love and generosity he poured into the lives of those around him.
Born on May 12, 1963, in Reno, Nevada, and raised in San Bernardino, California, Blake always had a gift for making others feel seen, heard, and valued. To know him was to know someone who genuinely cared. He never met a stranger, only new friends. He had a special talent for making everyone feel like part of his extended family, whether through a simple conversation or lending a hand.
His first job at Joe Rhodes Maintenance began his lifelong career in petroleum repair, where he worked for 14 years. Blake married Chris Olsen on February 17, 1990, and had two daughters, Kaila and Eryn later that year. In 1995, Blake and family moved to Springfield, Missouri where he began working at Montgomery Metalcraft.
In 2003, Blake became an entrepreneur and started his own petroleum maintenance company, It’s a Gas, where he worked up until his passing.
Blake met Pamela Wilkerson and started dating in 2013. The two wed on January 30, 2015, and formed a large, blended family.
His humor and light-hearted nature were infectious, always leaving the other person feeling better than they were before. He loved a good joke, a silly song, or a funny one-liner. He’ll be remembered for his positive, goofy spirit and patient nature.
Above all, Blake was deeply committed to those he loved. His family was his anchor, and he leaves behind a legacy of love and laughs. His pride and joy in life was his kids and grandkids and any listening ear would hear all their accomplishments.
He loved the San Francisco 49ers, a true fan through the ups and downs. He was an avid golfer and it wasn't uncommon that he'd buy you a set of clubs just so you could golf with him!
Blake also had a heart for those less fortunate. Throughout his life, he never hesitated to offer his time and resources to help those in need or lend a hand. His selflessness and his legacy of generosity will live on in the countless lives he touched.
Blake is preceded in death by his parents, George and Jean, his sister Rachelle Pattison, and his sister Mary Sinkey.
He is survived by his wife, Pam, his children Kaila (Matt) Penner, Eryn (Kody) Lueders, Zachary (Nichole) Maggard, Jessica (Ethan) Choate, Samuel (Madison) Vahle, Nicholas Vahle, and Erica Vahle; and his twelve grandchildren, Lyric, Abel, Rumor, Lucas, Waylon, Oliver, Jackson, Drew, Tate, Cooper, Sawyer, and Alistair, who will be born in 2025. He is also survived by his sister, Debbie Swain-Collins, brother, Quenton Swain, and niece, Sierra Collins who will continue to honor his memory by living the values he instilled in them — kindness, compassion, and the importance of family.
If you would like to contribute in a way other than flowers, the family asks that you consider making a random act of kindness today.
May we all strive to follow his example of pouring love into the world as he did.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 5:00 PM on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Blake Swain please visit our Sympathy Store.
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