Gail Swanson

LASALLE — Gail Edward Swanson passed away in the arms of his wife of 68 years, Lois, on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, at the LaSalle Veterans Home in LaSalle. He was escorted out in a ceremony for "Fallen Comrades" with chimes, flags and flowers — the veterans and staff at attention and saluting.

Gail was born in Tailholt on Oct. 25, 1929, the son of Lora Bernice Dale and Clarence Swanson. Following in his parents' and sister's footsteps, he attended Red School. He graduated from Manlius High School with the Class of 1947.

He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in the Korean War. He was a proud Marine staff sergeant, as a radio man for the tank battalion. Gail was awarded the Korean Service Medal with 3 stars, the United Nations Korean, the National Defense Service, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Korean Service 50th, Good Conduct and Expert medals in both rifle and pistol.

Gail worked for ASC Office, Manlius Grain Co., Bureau Service and Ag View FS. He enjoyed babysitting his children and grandchildren. He loved tinkering in his workshop, as well as spending time with family and friends.

He married Lois Marie Middleton and she survives. They were the parents of two daughters, Kathy Jo (Ronnie) Johnson of Princeton and Lora Lee Ryan of Plainfield, as well as three granddaughters, Kara Lee (Aaron) West of Mt. Prospect, Megan Gail (Todd) Madsen of Plainfield and Kacee Lynn (Nicolas) Poxson of Centerton, Ark., in addition, three lovable great-grandchildren, Thomas and Mitchel Madsen, and Jackson Gail West.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son-in-law, John Ryan; his sister and brother-in-law, Elva and Glenn Wright; and one nephew, Ronald Wright.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, at the Grant-Johnson Funeral Home in Princeton. Burial will take place in the Manlius Cemetery, Manlius, with military rites accorded. Visitation will be held prior to the service, from 10 to 11 a.m., at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to the Manlius Cemetery Association, Epidermolysis Bullosa Foundation or the LaSalle Veterans Home.

Online condolences may be left at www.grant-johnsonfh.com.