GALESBURG - Ronald "R.D." Swanson, 84, Galesburg, died at 2:47 a.m. Palm Sunday, April 14, 2019, at his home surrounded by his wife, Marlene Kay, and his loved ones.
He was born March 20, 1935, in Galesburg, to Fritz and Helen Swanson Conlon. He was the last living of his seven siblings, DeWayne, Dorothy, Lucille, Betty, Anna Mae, Bob and Jim.
R.D. and Kay were married June 4, 1955, and enjoyed almost 64 years together after meeting at the Knox County Fair Rodeo. R.D. was riding his horse, "Rusty," and it was love at first sight for him and Kay. They raised four daughters, Melanie Loane (and David Friend), Karen (and Jim) Swedlund, Deborah (and Jeff) Roberts and Staci Tharp. Their grandchildren are Melissa (and Jessica) Wheeler, Jason, Jeremy and Justin Roberts, Laci Swanson (and Jordan Lieber) and Kaci Tharp. They also have three great-grandsons, Jalon, Jaxon and Ja'veon. Also surviving are his nieces and nephews, Kris (and Steve) Russell, DeAnne (and Mike) Budde, Barry (and Gail) Swanson, Kelly (and Brad) DeJongh and Stuart "Bo" (and Andrea) Swanson.
He was preceded in death by two nieces, Tracy Valero and Linda Hoffstatter.
R.D. was a 1953 graduate of Knoxville High School and entered the U.S. Navy after graduation. Following his time in the service, he farmed in Woodhull for 10 years and then began his career at Burlington Northern Railroad. After 30 years as a conductor, he retired in 2000 and made so many great, loving friends.
R.D. joined the Masonic Order in 1973 and served as the Worshipful Master in 1986, as the Worthy Patron for the Order of the Eastern Star, and was elected the Supreme Watchman Shepherd for the White Shrine of Jerusalem in 1989.
After retiring, he and Kay moved to the Branson, Missouri, area for 15 years, where he worked at Dixie Stampede taking care of the horses and at the Titanic Museum. There he also made so many amazing friends.
They returned to Galesburg, where he again returned to his farming roots, helping his son-in-law, Jim. R.D. never met a stranger, and if he came into a room, by the time he left, you were sure to know his beautiful smile and easy laughter. He made friends for life through his work and Shrine. He was always willing to help anyone without even having to ask him.
Cremation will be accorded. Visitation will be 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, April 19, 2019, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Masonic service will follow the visitation at 11 a.m. Friday at the chapel. The funeral will follow the Masonic service. Burial with military honors will be in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens in Galesburg. Memorials may be made to the Shriners Children's Hospital or to Beacon of Hope Hospice. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Hinchliff-Pearson-West, Inc., Galesburg.
5 Entries
Kay, Karen and Mel I was sorry to learn of Swanee passing. He's never been forgotten. My friend and Favorite Conductor. I learned a lot from RD. We worked together in every capacity, always with fun. We did a little farming along the way too!! High Ball old Friend
Byron Austin
April 24, 2019
Worked with Swanee many times over the years. He was a great guy and a dedicated worker never taking his job for granted After retiring in 1998 I moved to Florida and unfortunately lost contact with all the guys I worked with. RIP Swanee
Jerald Bailey
April 18, 2019
With deepest sympathy. My brother,Rick and I stayed with Kay and RD during the summer while our parents worked. Lots of fond memories on the farm. So glad I got to see them again in 2012 in Blue Eye, Mo.
Laurie Harwood Irwin
April 18, 2019
I met Swanee in 1970 when he was making his first trip as a switch man for the railroad in the old CB&Q yard at yard "D" ---- after that we worked together allot, some time on the road & some times in the old CB&Q yard. on a switch engine.
We also worked together on a little way freight that ran from Galesburg to Savanna,Il. and back 6 days a week. We didn't make allot of over time working it, but we had allot of fun together ---- we ran the wheels of that little way freight just has hard as we could ---- He was the best brakeman I ever had, he was with me all the way.
Swanee will always be with me --- he was my friend. ------------- B J. Huff
April 18, 2019
We are praying for you guys in Missouri. R.D was a great guy and he will be truly missed.
If you need anything please let us know!!
-Shayleigh, Bayleigh, Hazel, Jesse and Kayci
April 17, 2019
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Apr
19
Funeral services provided by:
Hinchliff-Pearson-West, Inc., Galesburg1070 West Fremont Street, Galesburg, IL 61401
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more