Curtis Lipe Swim

A lifelong resident of Norman, Curtis Lipe Swim passed away November 12, 2020.  He was born at Ft. Sill, OK in 1936 to Dan & Idella Swim.  His siblings include a sister, Linda Blanton of Denton, Texas; and two brothers - Roger Swim of Yukon, OK and Steve Swim of Norman, OK.  

Curtis attended Noble High School and graduated in 1955.  He met the love of his life, Darlene Ditzler, and they were married August 4, 1956 while he was serving in the United States Air Force.  They were blessed with more than 64 happy years together and raised four beautiful daughters.

While serving in the USAF, Curtis was trained in Radio & Teletype repair.  After his enlistment, that experience led him to a career as a Civilian employee at Tinker Air Force Base from 1969 until his retirement in 1993.  He spent the majority of his career in the electrical shop and key management positions.

Curtis loved sports - particularly softball, basketball, golf, and snow skiing.  He was fortunate to play fast-pitch softball with the USAF team in Hawaii, Japan, Guam & Kwajalein Island.  When he returned to Oklahoma he coached numerous softball and basketball teams for businesses, churches and city leagues, and played until he was 52.  Curtis was inducted into the Oklahoma ASA Softball Hall of Fame in 1996.

After his retirement, Curtis & Darlene, along with their church friends made yearly trips to Branson, Missouri.  They also took many camping & bicycle trips down the coastline of Washington, Oregon and other states well into their 70's.  Using his many skills, Curtis raised funds for those trips by remodeling homes.  He developed a passion for golf later in life playing & marshalling at his favorite OU and Belmar Golf Courses.  He enjoyed playing with his children and grandchildren, remaining very active exercising daily for many years.

A man of Faith, honor and a strong Love of Family made him a well-respected member of the community.  As a member of Immanuel Baptist Church he was a Sunday School teacher, department director and choir member for many years.  He helped organize yearly church ski trips where he taught many kids and adults how to snow ski. The impact of his life can be seen in the people he helped throughout his years. Curtis was loved and respected by all who knew him.

Curtis is survived by his beloved wife Darlene Swim, and daughters Debbie Wilkinson, Terri Moyer, Lori Kelleher and husband Terry, and Sandy Kline (all from Norman) - along with 7 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his father & mother, as well as his son-in-law Karl Moyer.