Leo K. “Kent” Swords, 73, of Russell, Kansas, died on December 4, 2018, in Russell, Kansas.

Leo was born on April 1, 1945, in Eureka, Kansas, the son of Leo H. “ Henry” and Ellen Jean (Hart) Swords.  He lived in many cities in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska as a child as his family worked in the oil fields.  Leo graduated from Garden City High School in 1966.  After high school, he joined the Air Force and served his country as a jet engine mechanic for 20 years.   He traveled to Thailand, Germany, and Arizona during his time in the Air Force. He retired as an E6 Tech Sergeant.  Leo married Kathleen Marie Bratton on November 06, 1982, at Williams A.F.B. in Chandler, Arizona.  Kathleen preceded him in death on September 09, 2014, after 32 years of marriage.  Leo worked for 20 years at ABCO Wire and Metal as a Line Worker.  He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Russell, Kansas.  He was also a member of the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 and the Russell American Legion Post # 99.  He enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting, and tinkering.  Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, and especially his grandchildren.

Leo is survived by his children: Sean Swords (Susan) of Topeka, Kansas; Shane Swords of Lansing, Kansas; Anita Swords (Timothy Ehrlich) of Bunker Hill, Kansas and Steven Swords (Chelsey) of Russell, Kansas; sister Charlotte Roth (Alex) of Pawnee Rock, Kansas; and grandchildren Madelyn, Seth, Camden, Logan, Colby & Charles.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother David J. Swords.

A celebration of Leo's life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Monday, December 10, 2018, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell.  Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery.  Military honors will be performed by the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240.  Visitation will be on Sunday, December 09, 2018, at the mortuary from 1 P.M. to 8 P.M. with family present from 4 P.M. to 6 P.M.  Memorials can be given to Trinity United Methodist Church and sent in care of the mortuary 610 N. Maple St., Russell, Kansas 67665.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.