Charles Everett Swanda

Charles Everett Swanda, 83, of Carnegie, passed away on January 18, 2026. He was born on June 14, 1942, in Carnegie to Charley and Clara (Daubert) Swanda. He and his younger Mike were raised on the family farm and he spent his entire life in the community he loved.

Charles married Carla Ann Worley in 1968, and together they built a life centered around family, hard work, and supporting one another. They were blessed with one daughter, Natalie, who was the pride of his life.

Charles began his training and career as a mechanic, working at the Chevrolet garage, in Carnegie. He later opened his "shop" right off of Main Street and worked there from the 60s until 1995, when he began working for Caddo County District 3 as mechanic, a job that fit him well. He was known for being dependable, knowledgeable, and able to fix just about anything. In his younger years, his love and knowledge of car racing developed. His interest in drag racing shifted to sprint cars. In the mid-80s, it eventually culminated into owning, operating, and racing at his own racetrack, Southwest Raceway, on the land where he grew up. Charles handled the day-to-day operations while Carla ran the concession. His hard work and dedication during his racing years and his contribution to the sport led to his induction into the Texoma Racers Hall of Fame in September 2025. In 1997, they purchased Swanda's Laundry, which they operated together as a family business.

Family meant everything to Charles. He deeply loved his wife, daughter, and son-in-law, P.K. His grandsons, Chaz and Chason, were a constant source of joy, and he was proud of the men they became. He also cared greatly for their wives, Kalley and Isabel, and enjoyed time spent with his great-grandchildren and the whole family.

Charles also loved Jesus and studying the Bible. He enjoyed discussing God's Word and sharing his faith with others. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Carnegie, OK, where he attended and taught Sunday school for many years.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents and by his beloved wife, Carla. He will be remembered as a hardworking man who loved the Lord, his family, and a life built on simple values.

Survivors include:

Daughter: Natalie Hurt & husband, P.K., Carnegie, OK

Grandchildren: Chaz Hurt & wife, Kalley, Carnegie, OK

Chason Hurt & wife, Isabel, Carnegie, OK

Great Grandchildren: Everett Brooks, Blair Natalia, and Nora Jane

Brother: Mike Swanda & wife, Joyce, Carnegie, OK

Numerous nieces, nephews, & extended family members

Preceded in death by his wife: Carla Swanda, and parents: Charley & Clara Swanda.

Funeral: 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 21, 2026

First Baptist Church, Carnegie, OK

Visitation: 1:00 - 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Ray & Martha's Funeral Home, Carnegie, OK

Interment: Carnegie Cemetery, Carnegie, OK

Under the direction of Ray & Martha's Funeral Home, Carnegie, OK