Kirk Douglas Swaim

Kirk Douglas Swaim of Frederick, passed away on April 25, 2025 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. Born December 11, 1951 in Martinsburg, West Virginia, Kirk was the only child of the late Charles Edsel Swaim and Mary Louise Mathews Swaim. He was particularly close to his late maternal grandmother, Clara Mathews, who raised him. He was the husband of the late Shirley Ann Winebrenner Stine Swaim, who predeceased him in 2017. Aside from a few remaining cousins, he is the last of his immediate family.

Kirk was a graduate of Shepherd College (now Shepherd University) in Shepherdstown, West Virginia with a BS degree in math and business. He enjoyed playing football in his youth and was a Washington Redskins (Commanders) football fan. After training in Texas and Mississippi he served in the West Virginia Air National Guard Reserves with an honorable discharge in 1977. In his early years, he worked for Acme Markets in Martinsburg, where he met his wife Shirley. Later he worked many years as a wine consultant at Ye Olde Spirit Shop in Frederick, where he was affectionately known as the "Wine Possum." He retired in 2017.

Kirk is survived by a step-daughter, Susan Mort and husband Randy, who have served as caregivers during his illness. Also surviving is step-granddaughter, Shannon Chambers and husband Tommy; two step-great-grandsons, Gavin Chambers and Steven Chambers; some cousins; and many friends at Citizens Nursing Home in Frederick. He will be remembered by his dear lifelong friend, Dennis Mongdon.

The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025 at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, with a funeral service to begin at 11 a.m. Rev. Tim May will officiate.

Interment to follow in Chapel Lutheran Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com.