Samuel M. Swafford

MARION-Samuel M. `Jack` Swafford, 86, of Marion, passed away at 3:02 AM, Friday, May 13, 2005at Fountain Nursing Home in Marion. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, May 17, 2005 at the Blue Funeral Home in Marion with Reverend Dave Willard officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, Monday, May 16, 2005 at the funeral home. Masonic rites will be conducted at 7:00 PM on Monday evening by Masonic Lodge 89 AF & AM. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery, Marion. Military rites will be held at the cemetery by VFW Post #1301 and American Legion Post #147. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or `Logos` at Zion United Church of Christ; envelopes are available at the funeral home or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL 62959. Mr. Swafford was born on August 19, 1918 in Marion, Illinois to John Wesley and Edna (Groves) Swafford. He married Barbara (Manier) Rains and she survives. Other survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Bobby and Shirley Rains of Marion; daughter and son-in-law, Rhonda and Keith Soldner of Marion; daughter-in-law, Connie Swafford of Bloomington; grandchildren, Cynthia & Scott Lentz, Anne Swafford, Kevin and Rachel Soldner, Scott and Chasity Rains, Sandra and Sean Hayes, Tena & Chuck Albright, Doug and Erin Draper, and Cory Draper; twelve great grandchildren; and sister, Christine Boester of Marion. He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Duane Swafford and Benny Rains; two brothers; and four sisters. Mr. Swafford was a member of Zion United Church of Christ. He retired from the Marion V.A. Hospital where he worked as a fireman. He was a member of the Marion Masonic Lodge 89 AF & AM, Marion Eagles #2457, and a lifetime member of Marion VFW Post #1301. He served in the United States Army Air Corp. He loved to fish and hunt. He loved his family and spending time with his grandkids: `My Papaw`, You`re a treasure in our family. A gift of greatest price…. There`s no one quite as special, and no one quite as nice.