Loraine W. Swisher

Loraine W. “Larry” Swisher, 94, of Topeka, passed away at his home at 4:20 a.m. on Saturday, March 31, 2012 with his wife at his bedside. He was born February 24, 1918 to Walter and Velma (Wheeler) Swisher. He married Marge Baird and they had two children. In 1985 he married Marguerite Lawson. Mr. Swisher is survived by his wife, Marguerite, of Topeka, son Michael J. (Linda) Swisher of Bluffs, IL, daughter, Susan (Bill) King of Downers Grove, IL, five grandchildren, Anne King, John (Anna) King, Dan King, Emily (Ryan) Alwood, Heidi Swisher, sister Marjorie Hunter of Bartonville and a new great-grandbaby coming in July. Also surviving are three step daughters, Margie (Gary) Karl of Mapleton, Coke Trendel of Shattuck, OK, Linda (Van) Vannatta of Avon, step-son and good fishing pal, Dale (girlfriend Sharon Huntington) Lawson of Peoria, IL as well as several step grandkids and two step grandsons, Gabe and James Crawford of Peoria Heights. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Ilene Brown and Della Jefferies and four brothers, James, Don, Leo and Bill and one step-son Robert Lawson. Mr. Swisher was in the US Cavalry in 1939-40 and then went into the Air Force. He received several medals serving his country, including: Distinctive Unit Badge, American Defense Service Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with 1 Silver and 1 Bronze Battle Stars, 5 Overseas Bars and held the grades of T Sgt in the Cavalry and 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post #1232 in East Peoria and the Chataqua Goofy Ridge Sportsmans Club. He was operator of Alley Inn and South Side in South Pekin and the Goofy Ridge Tavern. He loved to go fishing Up North with his wife, raise a garden and woodworking. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at the Hurley Funeral Home in Havana. Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 2, 2012 also at the funeral home. Burial will follow the services at Summum Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or American Lung Association. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com. Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.

Loraine W. Swisher

February 24, 1918 - March 31, 2012

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