Herman Swafford

LOWNDES, Mo. -- Herman Willard Swafford Jr., 88, of Lowndes passed away Friday, April 17, 2015, at his home surrounded by family.

He was born July 16, 1926, in St. Louis, to Herman and Alta Swafford. He and Glenda Barks were married Nov. 5, 1949, in Lowndes.

Herman was a veteran of World War II, serving in peacetime Korea. Returning to St. Louis, he became active in civic affairs and remained so his entire life. He was named man of the year of Overland, Missouri, for his community involvement and dedication to coaching through the YMCA and with Calvary United Church of Christ. Herman moved to Cape Girardeau in 1960 and opened Swafford's Auto Body before embarking on and enjoying a long career at Ford Groves. He was a faithful member and leader for many years at Evangelical UCC in Cape and later at Grace Methodist in Greenville, Missouri. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 3838 and loved square dancing, competitive bridge and fishing. He and Glenda later settled at the family farm in Lowndes, where he was most proud of his dedication and service to the Lowndes Volunteer Fire Department. They enjoyed traveling extensively and spent many winter months in Fort Myers, Florida.

Herman was a gifted athlete with a lifelong love of sports from an early age, both as participant and coach.

Loving survivors include his wife of 65 years; a daughter, Martha (Walter) Hauck of St. Louis; a son, Steve (DeLana) Swafford of Kirkwood, Missouri; and four grandchildren, Jacob and Caleb Hauck and Emily and Jack Swafford.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Stokley Swafford.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. today at Ruegg Funeral Home in Greenville.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Procession will follow to Crossroads Cemetery, where he will be interred with military honors.

Online condolences can be made at rueggfuneralhome.com.