ST. JOSEPH – Ronald Swartz, 88, passed away Monday, December 30, 2013 in St. Joseph. He was born January 30, 1925 in Frackville, Pa. He married Virginia Smygel on June 18, 1945 and she survives of the home. He served in the Army Air Corp during WWII, and was called up to also serve in the Korean conflict. He proudly served in the Army Air Corp then later the Missouri Air National Guard for over 30 years retiring in the 1970’s. He worked at Overton Budweiser Distributors as a Route Salesman in St. Joseph.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing & gardening, and was a member the American Legion Post # 359, Moose Lodge, Eagles Arie Lodge #49, Knights of Columbus, Holy Name Society, Missouri Air Guard Retiree Association, and St. James Catholic Church. Ronald was preceded in death by mother, Lennie Wolfgang and son, Joseph Swartz.
Survivors include wife, Virginia Swartz of the home; two daughters, Carolyn Clemens and husband John, Cathy Young, and companion Howard King; and son, Bernard Swartz and wife Patricia all of St. Joseph; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren. He also had several brothers and sisters from Pennsylvania.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 2, 2014, at 12 p.m. at the St. James Catholic Church, Father Vincent Rogers and Father Evan Harkins Con-Celebrating. Friends may call after 10 a.m., Wednesday, January 1st at the Rupp Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m., and the Rosary will be recited at 5 p.m., Wednesday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Leavenworth National Cemetery with full military honors. Memorials are requested to the American Legion Post #359.
Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com