John Edward Swink

FARMINGTON- John Edward Swink of Farmington, passed away Sunday November 10, 2013 at the Maplebrook Assisted Living Center at the age of 92 years. He was born October 10, 1921 at Humphrey, Arkansas, son of the late Emmett D. and Edna B. (Bailey) Swink. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a grandson John Tanner, granddaughter, Christine Peppers, two brothers, and a sister. John grew up in the Farmington area and attended school there where he played Farmington Knights football in the 1930's. On June 24, 1942 John married the love of his life, Norma Lee Watson. John then proudly served his country during World War II in the Army Air Corps and was decorated for his exceptional service. He was among those who landed on the beaches of Normandy on D-day and continued across France and Luxembourg, and was wounded during the invasion of Germany. After the war John & Norma purchased and operated a farm in Libertyville where they raised their children. He later went to work for the Missouri Highway Department as a Survey Engineer and retired from that position. He was an avid sports enthusiast and played on local community baseball leagues, the most well-know one being the "Barton Baseball Team". In his spare time he also enjoyed watching both baseball and football, and was also a talented and avid woodcarver. He was a member of the Libertyville United Methodist Church, Farmington VFW Post # 5869, American Legion Post # 416 and the Disabled American Veterans, St. Francois County Chapter # 12. John will be missed by all those who knew and loved him including his wife of 71 years Norma Lee (Watson) Swink of Farmington, four children, Steve (& Carolyn) Swink of Farmington, Lee Ann Thornton of Santa Fe, Texas, Judy (& Larry) Whitener of Farmington, and David (Traci) Swink of Spokane, WA, grandchildren: Carol Mays of Cottage Hills, IL, Cathy (& Jim) Hargrove of St. Charles, Jean ( & Glenn) Gallo of Anacordis, WA, Jim ( & Karie) Tanner of Sante Fe, TX , Pam ( & Kevin) Detring of Marietta, GA, Mary ( & Doug) Eaves of Elsinore, Amy (& Tim) Ferguson Bentonville, AR, Debby ( & Bob) Rowe of St. Louis, Angie ( & Mark ) Buckman of Fenton, Elizabeth ( & Aaron) Stegemoeller of Ames, IA, Aaron (& Jessie) Swink of Spokane, WA, and Jennifer (& Rob) Evans of Spokane, WA. He is also survived by 37 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends. Friends may call after 5 p.m. until 8 p.m on Thursday, November 14, 2013, at the Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory with VFW service at 7 p.m. Visitation will resume Friday morning after 7 a.m. at and continue until the time of the service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Rocky Good and Pastor David Bates officiating. Interment with full Military Honors will take place at the Libertyville Methodist Cemetery. Memorials, if desired, may be made to Safe Harbor Hospice or UMCOR (United Methodist Committee On Relief). View tribute video, online obituary and share your condolences and memories at cozeanfuneralhome.com