Bill Swigert's Obituary
Billy Landon Swigert, son of Sam and Esther Chapman Swigert, was born April 26, 1937, near Windyville, Missouri. He departed this life Saturday, February 20, 2010, in St. John’s Hospital, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of seventy-two years, nine months, and twenty-four days. On October 2, 1981, he was united in marriage to Lois I. Porter Gladden, and they shared the last twenty-eight years. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Albert Swigert. Billy is survived by his wife, Lois, of the home; four stepdaughters, Marian Bradshaw, and her husband, Mark, and Jean Loke, all of Bakersfield, California, Janice Caudle, and her husband, Keith, of Lebanon, Missouri, and Judy Shelton, and her husband, Craig, of St. Louis, Missouri; six stepsons, Harry Gladden, and his wife, Catherine, John Gladden, Kenneth Gladden, all of Lebanon, Missouri, Don Gladden, and his wife, Linda, of Springfield, Missouri, Steve Gladden, of Bakersfield, California, and Ben Gladden, of St. Louis, Missouri; twelve step-grandchildren; seventeen step-great-grandchildren; four brothers, Ray Jones, Ralph Jones, and Charley Jones, all of Lebanon, Missouri, and James Swigert, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma; a sister, Lucille Jackson, and her husband, Marvin, of Conway, Missouri; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. He was raised in Dallas County, Missouri, and then moved to Lebanon where he made his home with the Barker family. He worked on the farm and also operated a lawn care service in Lebanon for many years. After he and Lois were married, they made their home in the Lebanon area and lovingly finished raising the children. Billy had professed his faith in Christ and was an active member of Grace Calvary Full Gospel Church, where he loved to sing and often shared his good singing voice. In his spare time he enjoyed watching wrestling on television and liked making people laugh. He was a very social person and greatly enjoyed attending activities at church and other places where he could visit and be with people. His family was very important to him and he especially enjoyed his step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. Billy was a loving husband, stepfather, step-grandfather, step-great-grandfather, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and know that his family and friends will treasure the memories he made for them throughout the years. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday February 24, 2010 at the Grace Calvery Full Gospel Church. Burial will be at Crossroads Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday evening 6-7:30 p.m. under the direction of the Holman-Howe Funeral Home Lebanon, Missouri. A memorial has been established donations may be made through the funeral home. Return to top
What’s your fondest memory of Bill?
What’s a lesson you learned from Bill?
Share a story where Bill's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bill you’ll never forget.
How did Bill make you smile?