Henry Keith Swain, 75, died Sunday, January 29, 2023, with his wife and two children by his side. He was born in Itawamba County on June 26, 1947, to Buster and Eloise Swain. A resident of Starkville, he was a devoted husband and father, lifelong outdoorsman, and dedicated civil servant.
He graduated Itawamba Agricultural High school in 1965. He attended Itawamba Community College and Mississippi State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He joined the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) in 1970. Throughout a celebrated career, he held positions in the New Albany and Starkville Project Offices and at the MDOT District Office in Tupelo. He retired with 39 years of service in 2009. He later worked for Neel-Schaffer Engineering Consultants in Columbus for several years.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nona Irwin Swain; son, Brad Swain of Brandon; daughter, Stacey Swain of Collierville, Tennessee; brother, David Swain of Fulton; sister Kay Mann of Gulfport; mother-in-law, Maev Irwin of Myrtle; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers are Richard Hardy, Virgil Rogers, Bill Jamieson, Paul Swindoll, Charles Purdon and Clayton McHann.
There will be a visitation for Mr. Swain from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville, MS. There will also be a visitation from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 3, 2023 at United Funeral Home in New Albany, with the service immediately following. Brother Jackie Gray and Brother Donald Scheuman will officiate. A graveside ceremony at Glenfield Memorial Cemetery in New Albany will follow the service.
Keith was a great friend and a lot of fun to be around. I will truly miss him.