Obituary of Wilbur Edwin Swyers

Funeral Services for Wilbur Edwin Swyers of Elsberry, MO, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at New Hope Baptist Church near Elsberry. Rev. John Zellmer, church pastor, will officiate with burial in New Salem Cemetery near Winfield, MO. Serving as pallbearers will be Chris Steen, Kevin Pingleton, Jeremy Steen, Alan Turner, Scott West and Mick Settles. Mr. Swyers, 89, passed away Sunday morning, February 23, 2014 at St. Joseph Hospital West in Lake St. Louis, MO. Born April 11, 1924 in St. James, MO, he was the son of George and Altha Mae Neeley Swyers. He served his country during World War II in the U.S. Marine Corps from July 11, 1941 until he was honorably discharged on October 30, 1945. He was united in marriage on January 20, 1951 in St. Louis, MO to Blanche Elaine Swyers. This union was blessed with two daughters, Janet Lynn and Kathy Ellen. He was self-employed as an auto mechanic for many years. His beloved wife of almost 23 years , Blanche, passed away on December 6, 1974. He was married again on November 29, 1975 in Overland, MO to Rose Mae Sutton. He was a member of the New Hope Baptist Church near Elsberry. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Altha Swyers; five brothers: Granville Swyers, Charles Swyers, Kenneth Swyers, Marvin Swyers and Everett Swyers; two sisters: Lola Hartnett and Lueona White; his first wife, Blanche Swyers; one daughter, Jan Wood; one grandson, Ricky Wood; and one great-grandson, Mitchell Robert Steen. Survivors include his loving wife of 38 years, Rose Swyers of Elsberry; one daughter, Kathy Swyers of Elsberry; one step-son, Kevin Pingleton and his wife, Sandi, of St. Peters, MO; three step-daughters: Debra Douglas of Elsberry, Patricia Settles and her husband, Mick, of St. Charles, MO, and Michelle Creech and her companion, Scott West, of Moscow Mills, MO; twelve grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and two great, great-grandchildren. He also leaves several in-laws, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 26, 2014 at Carter-Ricks Funeral Home in Elsberry. Memorials may be made to the New Hope Baptist Church in care of Carter-Ricks Funeral Home; 107 S. 5th Street; Elsberry, MO 63343.