Gordon Lavan Swanson, Sr.

Gordon LaVan Swanson, Sr. February 13, 1928 February 27, 2014 Gordon LaVan Swanson, Sr., of Waco, passed away Thursday, February 27, 2014. Services will be Monday, March 3 at 10:00 a.m., at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation will be Sunday, March 2 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey. Gordon was born February 13, 1928 in Carleton, Nebraska to David Carl and Florence Van Skiver Swanson. He married Gertrude Juliana "Julie" Kolczyk on June 14, 1947. Gordon served his country by joining the United States Army in 1946 and was recalled during the Korean War. He went on to become Parts Manager for Ford Motor Company. He became a Mason in 1958 and remained active until his death. Gordon was proud to have held the high honor of Past Master of the Crawford 585 Lodge. He treasured his time with his fellow Masons and was incredibly grateful to Billy Steinhauser and Bobby Bain for driving him to Lodge each week so that he could continue in the fellowship. Gordon was also a Past Patron of the Alamo Heights Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. Gordon was proud to work at his son's company, Allcare Medical Inc., for 15 years where he facilitated inventory control and ran the IT department. After retiring, Gordon and Julie set off in their motorhome to travel the country. They became valued members of Good Sams RV club earning the title of Good Sams of the Year in 2008. Gordon also served as State Treasurer of Good Sams for 12 years. Gordon, along with his wife, Julie, was a member of Woodway First United Methodist Church since 1978. He and his family were very thankful for the many visits from church staff and members over the years. He also volunteered for Friends for Life of Waco and enjoyed serving others within that organization. Gordon was a gentle and warm man who had a funny one-liner for everyone he met. He will be remembered for his love for Nebraska, John Deere tractors, and most importantly, for the love he showed to his family. He was a loyal and humble Dad, Papa, and friend who consistently put others ahead of himself. His strength of character and positive outlook, even in the midst of struggle, will continue to comfort those whose lives he touched. Gordon was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, David and Val Dean. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 66 years, Julie Swanson, of Waco, TX; a daughter, Roxanne Swanson of Waco; a son, Gordon Swanson, Jr. and wife, Susan of Waco; a daughter, Francine Spain and husband, Bruce of Houston; grandchildren, Christina Swanson and husband, Majdi Tannous, Andrea Vranich and husband, Kevin, Tommy Swanson and fiance, Sherry, Tiffany McFarling and husband, Brent, Kylie Barbin and husband, Clay, and Jared Spain and wife, Adrianne. Gordon also had eight great-grandchildren who were blessed to have spent time with him. The family would like to extend special thanks to the loving staff of St. Catherine Center and to Dr. Gary Barbin for their outstanding care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Friends for Life of Waco. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WHBfamily.com.