CDR Christopher Michael Swanson USN (Ret.)

In Loving Memory of CDR Christopher Michael Swanson USN(Ret.) of Gulf Breeze, FL, passed away on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the age of 49.

Chris is ever-loved by his wonderful parents, Michael and Sheryl Swanson, his wife, Jessica Swanson, and was a beacon of light to his two sons, Cade Swanson (20) and Cole Swanson (17).

Chris was born on December 15, 1976, in Manhattan, Kansas. He called many places home during his childhood, including Texas, Arizona, and Connecticut. Each place was special to him in its own way—he loved sharing memories from his childhood. He attended college at Penn State, where he received a BS in Finance and was active in Navy ROTC. He made lasting friendships at Penn State (We Are!) and loved going to football and volleyball games while he was there. He was commissioned into the Navy by his father in December of 1999 and went on to serve honorably for 22 years, first as a Surface Warfare Officer. He met his wife, Jessica, in Athens, GA, where he was training to become a Supply Corps Officer (his eventual position), and received his MBA from the University of Georgia in 2010 (Go Dawgs!).

Throughout his career, he served in (in order): Newport, RI, Corpus Christi, TX, Athens, GA, Bremerton, WA, Athens, GA, Iraq, Athens, GA, Diego Garcia, Mechanicsburg, PA, and Pensacola, FL. He served on three ships: the USS Shrike (MHC-62), the USS Bridge (AOE-10), and the USS Emory S. Land (AS-39) where he earned many awards and honors.

After he retired from the Navy on September 1, 2022, he took a year off where he spent his days relaxing. During this time, he took his dog-walking responsibilities very seriously. He enjoyed walking them to the water where he would take pictures of sunrises and sets, which he would joyously share with his family. He returned to federal service as a civilian employee at Naval Education and Training Command as a Procurement Analyst, where he earned the respect of his colleagues with his depth of knowledge, hard work, and professionalism.

Outside of his professional life, Chris valued being active and spending time outdoors. He played football in high school, enjoyed climbing with his buddies, biking (like his father before him), and hiking (like his sons). Daddy Bones (Chris’s trail name) beamed when he was able to marvel at the beauty of God’s creation with his family. He inspired his sons’ adoration of nature in their early years, instilling in them the value of fully living every moment.

Embedded in Chris’s DNA was a deep appreciation for music, which surrounded him and comforted him through every step of life. In high school, he was a brilliant trumpet player, and as an adult, he dabbled in guitar, piano, and ukulele. He also had a great singing voice, which he was not afraid to use, sometimes loudly and excessively, prompting eye rolls and shaking heads from his family members. He enthusiastically cheered on his kids at all their events and was famous for his clapping ability that could bust the ear drums of anyone who dared sit too close.

For Chris, family was at the center of life. He was an attentive, loving husband, and a present, involved father. He led by example, showing his boys the power of kindness and care, the importance of integrity, and the essentiality of doing the right thing even in the presence of sacrifice.

Chris was one of the most upstanding men you could ever know. Those who did will remember a man of integrity, humor (often accompanied by a wry smile), wisdom, quick wit, and selflessness. They will remember his unconditional commitment to his family, and the way he made people feel safe and cared for. He would make it a point to show up for every family event, even if he was famously late. They will remember a man who paid attention to details others might overlook, and the small acts of kindness that make you feel special, appreciated, and understood.

Chris leaves behind a legacy not only in the years he lived, but in the example he set, the love he gave, and the countless ways he made people feel valued. His influence will live on in Jessica, Cade, and Cole, all others who call him family, and those whose lives were made better by knowing him.

Chris is survived by his loving family, including his wife, Jessica; his two sons, Cade (20) and Cole (17); his sweetest mother, Sheryl Swanson; big sister, Amy Smith (Andy); and nieces and nephews, Nathan Smith, Kira Smith, Jack Boyington, Luke Boyington, and Sylas Lane. He is preceded in death by his father, Michael Swanson, and grandparents Robert and Evelyn Seiler, and Richard and June Swanson. We take some solace in picturing him reunited with his loved ones in heaven.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until an 11:00 am Celebration of Life Service will begin on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel with Fr. John Cayer serving as Celebrant.

An inurnment committal service will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery, NAS Pensacola at future date with full military honors being accorded by the US Navy. Details of the inurnment service will be announced once arrangements have been finalized.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the National Park Service on his behalf at Make A Gift - National Park Foundation.