John Amel Swing

JOHN AMEL SWING
John Amel Swing passed away January 26, 2025, at the age of 94 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Eureka, Montana on March 29, 1930, the son of Amel and Edith Swing. John's very strong work ethic started at a very young age. He had a paper route for years, worked in a movie theater and then during high school at age 17 began working as a section laborer for the Great Northern railroad. He graduated from Lincoln County High School in Eureka with the class of 1948. After graduation he attended telegraphy school in Spokane WA.
John met the love of his life, Beverly June Dickinson in 1949 at a dance. They were married two years later, on June 3, 1951. Three months after marriage John was deployed to Korea and they were apart for 18 months until he returned in 1953, with the rank of Sargent 1st class.
He was a railroad employee for 40 years with jobs including, a telegrapher, an agent, a ticket seller, a Supervisory agent and finally ended his career as an assistant trainmaster in 1986.
John and Bev traveled to many places and lived in Eureka and Libby all their lives except for two years in Kettle Falls, Washington and two years in the Army. Although they loved to travel their favorite thing to do was camp with family and friends.
In addition to his successful career, he was very involved in the community. He was the president elect of the Libby rotary Club. Also serving as the secretary, director and vice president in previous years. He was president of the local bowling league. He was a member of the advisory board for St. John's Lutheran Hospital. He served as Mayor of Eureka Montana for two terms in the 1960's and was Home Service Chairman for the Red Cross for eight years. He was the Chairman for the Libby Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee for the Libby Dam Dedication in 1975. He was also a member of the 1988 Olympic Exhibition Curling Team in Calgary.
After his retirement, he kept active maintaining his home and keeping his yard to his standards.
John was proceeded in death by his parents Amel and Edith Swing, his siter Adalyn Giddens, his son in law Rusty Remp, and his grandson Shane Remp. He is survived by his wife Beverly of 73 years at the family home. He is also survived by his children Penny Sand and husband Andy, Ron Swing, Kathy Remp all of Libby. Jani Miller and husband Terry of Spangle WA. Grandchildren Chad Sand and wife Amber, Sheena Fiscus and husband Chris, Tyler Remp, Ashlee Legino, Ashley Sievers, Austin Sievers and wife Courtney, Step grandchildren Natasha Bronski and Husband Travis, Crystal, Katrina, and Jordan Miller. Great grandchildren, A.J and Hudson Sand, Kiera and Sadie Bronski, Ryker Remp, Teagan Rosling, McKinley Sievers and Blakely Sievers.
For the 94 years of John's life, he was truly blessed by the love of his family and friends and will be greatly missed.
Services will be held Friday January 31st, 11:00 am at the Libby Christian Church. Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.
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