Gordon Wayne Swan Sr.

Gordon Wayne Swan Sr., 87, Nevada, Mo., passed away Thursday, March 20, 2014, at Barone Alzheimer's Care Center, in Nevada, following a lengthy illness. Gordon was born Aug. 23, 1926, in Richards, Mo., to Oscar Swan and Nina A. (McCoy) Swan. He was united in marriage to Joanna Jane Hickman on Nov. 11, 1949, in Nevada, and she survives of the home.

Gordon grew up in the rural Richards, Mo., area and attended school in Nevada graduating from Nevada High School Class of 1944. After high school he served for a brief time in the United States Navy before receiving a Medical Discharge. He was later drafted into the United States Army and served in Germany during the Korean Conflict. Following his time in the Army, Gordon lived in Coffeyville, Kan., working for Continental Can Co., he later came back to Nevada and worked for MO Public Service for a number of years.

In 1960, he moved to Independence, Mo., and went to work for Missouri Gas Service until his retirement. While he was in Independence he and his wife, Jane, operated the Farmstead Pecan Co., Inc. for 20 years. He has lived in Nevada the past two years. Gordon was a member and past deacon of the First Baptist Church of Independence.

In addition to his wife, Joanna, Gordon is survived by one sister, Fern Pratt, Nevada; one brother, Neale Swan, Nevada; his daughter-in-law, Karola (Kari) Swan, Parkville, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Gordon Wayne (Chip) Swan Jr., who passed away in 1995; two brothers, Lawrence Swan and Kenneth Swan; and one sister, Eleanor Olson.

Visitation will be held from 1to 2 p.m., Monday, March 24, at Ferry Funeral Home, prior to the service. A graveside service with military honors will follow at Newton Burial Park, Nevada.

Contributions may be made in his name to the Barone Alzheimer's Care Center Association or Hospice Compassus in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.