John R. Swan

Monday, May 29, 2006, Memorial Day, at the Illinois Home for Veterans in John Robert Swan, 77, of Manteno, formerly of Potomac, passed away on Manteno. John was born September 24, 1928 in Gifford, Illinois, the son of John A. and Margaret E. (Mickey) Swan. He married Donna J. McCain of Meadville, Pennsylvania on June 12, 1965, she survives. John is survived by two sons, John Jack R. (Brenda) Swan II of Maryville, Tennessee and Dennis R. (Tina) Smock of McMinnville, Tennessee; two daughters, Nancy E. (Lonnie) Tapscott of Oakwood, Illinois and Rhonda L. Taylor of Wichita Falls, Texas; 11 beloved grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Pauline B. Hannah and his brother, Earl Eugene Gene Swan. John retired from the International Union of Operating Engineers in 1991; he was a heavy equipment operator and union member for 43 years. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1949. John was an active participant in veterans activities. He was a proud lifetime member of American Legion Post 428 and the Amvets. John served as Commander and County Commander. As a member of the Potomac Veterans Memorial Committee, John initiated the opening and continued the operation of the coffee shop, worked with Boys State, and set memorial stones commemorating WWI veterans in Potomac. He also trained for and became a volunteer EMT. In his leisure, John enjoyed woodworking, traveling, and spending time with his family.