November 8, 1934 – April 26, 2026

Gary Allen Swallow, 91, passed away peacefully at his home in Rifle, Colorado on April 26, 2026. Gary was born on November 8, 1934, in Kearney, Nebraska to Raymond and Vera Swallow. He married the love of his life, Muriel Youngman in June of 1955, beginning a partnership that would span a beautiful lifetime.
A longtime resident of Rifle, Gary graduated from Rifle High School in 1952. After college and a brief time away, he returned to Rifle in 1957 to join his father in building Swallow Oil Co. a Phillips 66 jobbership, contributing to a business that became an important part of the regional community.
Gary was deeply invested in the town he called home. He played an integral role in the creation of the Rifle Creek Golf Course and the Rifle Metropolitan Park District, helping to build the community swimming pool, tennis courts and softball field. He was a volunteer fireman for the Rifle Fire Department from 1962 – 1985. He enjoyed singing base in a local Barbershop chorus for more than 20 years.
He had a lifelong love of sports. Gary was an avid golfer. He and Muriel spent many, many winters traveling in their RV, playing golf, and enjoying visiting friends and family along the way – after 18 holes, of course! He played basketball in college and later, on Rifle’s Town Team Basketball for many years. He was a devoted Denver Broncos fan from the very beginning of the franchise – “Go Broncos”! Gary was also a beloved Pee Wee football and basketball coach, known for his calm, steady nature and his encouragement of every player to simply do their best. He was a constant presence on the sidelines and in the stands, rarely missing a game, meet, concert, or performance of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Gary will be remembered for his steady presence, his deep love and dedication to his family, his generosity to his community, and by all of those who knew him, for his warm, kind chuckle and the unmistakable twinkle in his eye.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Vera Swallow. He is survived by his wife Muriel; his sons, Kirk (Trina Cook) Swallow and Kris (Jody Eden) Swallow and his daughter, DeeAnn (Steve) Rothstein; as well as seven grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery in Rifle, Colorado, on May 29, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. A celebration of Gary’s life will follow immediately at his and Muriel’s home at 1980 Promontory Circle in Rifle. All who knew and loved Gary are welcome to attend the services and the celebration following.
Donations in memory of Gary Swallow may be made to the Colorado River Fire Protection District at http://www.crfr.us or by mail: 1850 Railroad Ave. Rifle, CO 81650