John E. Swartwood

John E. "Jack" Swartwood, 87, of Fulton, Mo., passed away on Monday, April 25, 2016, at his home surrounded by his family. Jack was born on November 6, 1928, in Fulton, to James Parker and Lillie Bost Swartwood and they preceded him in death. He was married to Nellie Farris on June 16, 1956, in Harrisburg, Mo. and she survives. He attended Central School near Fulton and later served in the United States Army from 1953-1955 during the Korean War. He served as a Deacon and was an active member of New Hope Baptist Church in Calwood. Jack enjoyed traveling and going on cruises with Nellie, but his greatest love was spending time with his family. He farmed in the Central neighborhood his entire life and was very devoted to his family's Century Farm which has been in the family since 1847. He also worked at Fulton State Hospital as the Grounds Foreman for over 32 years until his retirement in 1988. Survivors also include: his children, Maurita Swartwood of California, Mo., Stephen (Lesa) Swartwood of Fulton, David Swartwood of Fulton and Julie LaRue of Fulton; grandchildren, Jennifer (Jonathan) Ladner of Angleton, Texas, Paul Goodman of Fulton, Kayla (Daniel) Robinson of Mexico, Mo., Shawna (Luke) Hicks of Mexico, Mo., James Parker Swartwood of Fulton; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by: an infant son, J.R. Swartwood; an infant brother and two sisters, Mary Margret Swartwood and Anna Rosalie Beghtol. Funeral services will be at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, 2016, at Debo Funeral Home in Fulton. Due to limited parking, the family is requesting a private burial at White Cloud Cemetery immediately after the service. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Gideon's International, P.O. Box 7108, Columbia, Mo 65205-7108 or a charity of your choice.