Gene Swisher

Gene Swisher

Eugene “Gene” Swisher age 87, passed away Saturday, October 26, 2013, at Twin Pines Adult Care Center in Kirksville, MO.

The son of Henry and Cleo Swisher, Gene was born October 2, 1926 in Adair County, MO. On August 29, 1948 in Adair County, MO he was united in marriage to Betty L. Lawson who survives.

Also surviving are his four sons, Kenneth Swisher and wife, Brenda of Blue Springs, MO, Dennis Swisher and wife, Connie of Kirksville, MO, Chris Swisher and wife, Edith of Columbia, MO and Todd Swisher of Elizabeth, CO; six grandchildren, Jennifer Paddock, Kenny Swisher, Brandon M. Swisher, Matthew Swisher, Courtney Swisher and Brittney Swisher; one great-granddaughter, Hailey Swisher and one brother, Donald Swisher and wife Lucille of Kirksville, MO and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Betty Jean Swisher; two grandchildren, Brandon L. and Heather Swisher; one brother, Kenneth Lavern Swisher and one sister, Betty Faye Hills.

Gene spent his entire life in Adair County, MO, graduating from the Novinger High School in 1945. Prior to graduation, he enlisted in the United States Merchant Marines during World War II. After being honorably discharged as a Seaman 2 ^nd Class in 1946, he returned to Missouri to become a lifelong farmer. In 1955, while farming and operating a grade A diary, in partnership with Lester Dent, he received The Balanced Farming Award from the University of Missouri, College of Agriculture. In 1959 they purchased the farm where they currently reside.

Gene became a Christian at an early age. He was an ordained Baptist Deacon in the church and served as a Trustee, Sunday school teacher and Superintendant. He was a member of the Novinger Baptist Church, NEMO Radio Amateur Club, American Legion #20 and Thousand Hills Campers and Hikers, having served as President. Gene was instrumental in helping establish the Rural Water District in the Shibley's Point community. He was very community minded.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 30, 2013, at the Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home with Reverend Paul Milliken officiating. Burial will be in the Veterans Garden of Honor at the Park View Memorial Gardens in Kirksville, MO.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Kenny Swisher, Brandon Swisher, Matthew Swisher, Jeff Potts, Mark Grgurich and Eric Grgurich.

Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30, 2013, until the time of the service at the

Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home

Memorials are suggested to Hospice of Northeast Missouri. The family wishes to express our sincere gratitude for the exceptional care provided to the family.