Stanley Robert Sweeden

Retired Chief Master Sergeant Stanley Robert Sweeden, of Hominy, Oklahoma, passed away on Sunday, October 2, 2011 at his home at the of age 74 years two months and thirteen days. Stanley was born on July 20, 1937 in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He was the son of Odis Lee and Will Mae (Cobb) Sweeden. At the completion of his education from Osage; Stanley gained employment with Oklahoma Gas and Electric. On October 28, 1956, Stanley joined the United States Air Force. During his time in service Stanley was stationed in Vietnam, Thailand, Big Springs, Texas, Alaska, Randolph Air Force Base, Perrin Air Force Base and Lackland Air Force Base. Stanley climbed the ranks in the Air Force and upon his discharge he had earned the ninth, and highest, enlisted rank in the United States Air Force. In the U.S. Air Force attaining the rank of Chief Master Sergeant is the pinnacle of an Air Force enlisted member's career. During his time in service Stanley was awarded the following decoration and citations: Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon with one bronze oak leaf cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal with two bronze service loops, AF Longevity Service Ribbon with one silver oak leaf cluster, National Defense Services Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze service stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, AF Outstanding Unite Award with one bronze oak leaf cluster, AF Good conduct Medal with three bronze oak leave clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster and the AF Commendation Medal. On August 31, 1981, Chief Master Sergeant Stanley Sweeden retired and returned to the Osage, Oklahoma area. Stanley has lived in Cleveland and Hominy, Oklahoma. In 1986, Stanley returned to work and gained employment with R.B. Dick Conner Correctional Center in Hominy. In the early 1990ís, Stanley moved to Hominy where he has continued to reside. On December 16, 1994, Stanley was united in marriage to Patricia Lee (Cole). In 1996, Stanley retired from the correctional center and has continued to do what he loved most yard work, crossword puzzles, playing with his grandchildren and traveling. Stanley loved to fly, he earned his private pilots license and soon built a Piper Cub which he flew many hours. While in the military Stanley was a member of the Inspector Generalís team for four years traveling to many places as well as two tours in Vietnam. One thing he liked most about the Air Force was that he was able to ìkick paratroopers out of airplanes.î Stanley was a member of the Hebron Lodge #215, 32nd Degree Mason, VFW Member; American Legion Member, Shriner, Akdar Scottish Rite member. Most of all in life Stanley loved his wife, children and grandchildren. Survivors are his loving wife Pat of the home; three sons Stanley Sweeden and his wife Anna of San Antonio, Texas, Sean Sweeden and his wife Louise of Kittridge, Colorado, Pete Artussee of Pawhuska, Oklahoma; three daughters Susan Sweeden of Lubbock, Texas, Adrian Horn of Pawhuska, Oklahoma, Becca Maker and her husband Chris of Hominy, Oklahoma; one brother Mack Sweeden and his wife Tammie of Cleveland, Oklahoma; one sister Carol Martin and her husband Jim of Rory, Washington; sixteen grandchildren; two great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends that will mourn his passing. In addition to his parents Stanley was preceded in death by his brother Jimmy Ray Sweeden and a granddaughter Ginny Nicole Horn.