Ali Kareem Swanson was born January 15, 1982, to Kathleen Odella Swanson and Darrel Williams in Denver, Colorado. He departed life December 24, 2022, in Hill City, Kansas. He was one of four children.
Ali was raised in Hill City by his grandmother Wray Petrie who loved him dearly. Ali enjoyed playing and watching sports especially basketball and his favorite team, the Denver Broncos. His favorite go to shirts were Bronco Jerseys. He was inspired to play sports by his two older brothers Edward and Rodger. Ali played football, basketball and ran track at Longfellow Middle School. Ali was a talented, left-handed basketball player who many believed could have gone much further in the sport. His older brother Rodger was one of his coaches for a time. He spent his high school career between Hill City, Morland, Hays and Norton. Ali was intelligent and had the ability to finish high school, but eventually finished with his GED.
Ali enjoyed writing and drawing. When learning to write in elementary school, he often received awards for his penmanship which evolved into the creative art and drawings he created as he got older. When he was away, he often wrote beautiful letters to his little sister Jamie and other family members. Ali enjoyed listening to music and sharing his favorite songs with people. He also liked to rap and write songs.
Ali loved to make people laugh and often did without trying, just being himself. Many people loved Ali, but many of us also knew he had his own personal challenges. As kids Ali was his brother Edward’s biggest headache. Because the boys were two years apart, they often fought and wrestled. This was their way of showing the brotherly love they had for each other. All his life Ali looked up to Edward. After Ed’s passing in 2016, Ali struggled even more to find his purpose for life.
With tools in his hands, Ali was skilled when it came to fixing things, especially bikes and cars. He was proficient at detailing and installing stereo systems. Ali’s two main jobs were spent on an oil rig and cooking at restaurants. He was always eager to do side work helping people like moving, painting, and cleaning.
Ali learned about many different faiths and religions, but he loved God and had him deep in his heart. He read his Bible daily for help and guidance. He could remember Scripture and would quote verses.
He was the father of two sons, Davian Lawrence and Drayden Andrew Austin. Ali loved his boys and he tried to be the best dad he knew how to be.
He is preceded in death by his beloved grandmother Wray Ustacia Petrie and grandfather George Andrew Wellington, Sr; his brother, Edward Claude Olden; and his uncle, George Andrew Wellington, Jr., and aunt, Joyce Ann Wellington.
Ali leaves behind his mother Kathleen Odella Swanson of Eskridge; brother Rodger Fitzscott Swanson of Colorado Springs, Colorado and sister Jamie Kathleen Alexander of Houston, Texas; sons: Davian Lawrence Swanson of Hays and Drayden Andrew Austin of Salina; nephew Jordan Tyler Swanson; as well as a large extended family and many friends.
Ali has been searching for peace since he was a little, innocent boy and he now has a peace that surpasses all understanding. Granny Wray has her two boys with her, and they are all smiling down on us from heaven.
Stinemetz Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.