Russell Howard Swanson, 91, of Bentonville, Arkansas, passed away after a short illness May 12, 2021. Born November 25, 1929 in Sutherland, Iowa, to Ernest and Emma (Sonnichsen) Swanson, Russ was one of four children. After graduating with an agriculture degree from Iowa State University in 1951, he was accepted into the United States Air Force where he flew fighter jet aircraft, medium capacity cargo planes, and helicopters, on assignments in Japan, Spain, Germany, Korea, and stateside. After an admirable 20-year military career, he retired as a Major in 1971. Soon afterwards, he transitioned into a long career with Cooperative County Extension, first in Iowa, then in Florida. Education and experience in horticulture served him well throughout his life.
Russ lived enthusiastically. From hunting and fishing to golfing and square-dancing, he was ready for any adventure. Motoring across the country in a motorhome offered ample opportunity to hone videographer skills, where he documented every event and scenic landscape. He was a consummate storyteller, remembering vivid details, and entertained friendly banter with friends about college sports. He was a willing teacher and entertaining prankster. He loved his country and his family.
There have been pets through the years. Surviving though is Josh, "a man's cat" who mourns the lap of his master.
His Catholic faith found him devoted to rosary work, becoming a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and keeper of columbarium maintenance, all at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Bella Vista.
His parents, sisters Neva Irene, Marguerite Elaine, and Marilyn Janice, and first wife Jean (Gaylor), and daughter Kitty Cavanaugh predeceased him.
Russ is survived by his wife, Mary Jean (Edwards Cavanaugh) Swanson, and their large, blended family of nine children, 27 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren.
Mass of the Resurrection will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 17, 2021, at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church, Bella Vista, with military honors. The rosary will be at 9:30 a.m. Interment on site immediately following mass. No visitation is planned. Rather than flowers, consider a memorial donation to charity of choice.
Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory. Fond memories and condolences may be shared at www.funeralmation.com.
Russ lived enthusiastically. From hunting and fishing to golfing and square-dancing, he was ready for any adventure. Motoring across the country in a motorhome offered ample opportunity to hone videographer skills, where he documented every event and scenic landscape. He was a consummate storyteller, remembering vivid details, and entertained friendly banter with friends about college sports. He was a willing teacher and entertaining prankster. He loved his country and his family.
There have been pets through the years. Surviving though is Josh, "a man's cat" who mourns the lap of his master.
His Catholic faith found him devoted to rosary work, becoming a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and keeper of columbarium maintenance, all at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Bella Vista.
His parents, sisters Neva Irene, Marguerite Elaine, and Marilyn Janice, and first wife Jean (Gaylor), and daughter Kitty Cavanaugh predeceased him.
Russ is survived by his wife, Mary Jean (Edwards Cavanaugh) Swanson, and their large, blended family of nine children, 27 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren.
Mass of the Resurrection will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 17, 2021, at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church, Bella Vista, with military honors. The rosary will be at 9:30 a.m. Interment on site immediately following mass. No visitation is planned. Rather than flowers, consider a memorial donation to charity of choice.
Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory. Fond memories and condolences may be shared at www.funeralmation.com.
Russell Howard Swanson, 91, of Bentonville, Arkansas, passed away after a short illness May 12, 2021. Born November 25, 1929 in Sutherland, Iowa, to Ernest and Emma (Sonnichsen) Swanson, Russ was one of four children. After graduating with an agriculture degree from Iowa State University in 1951, he was accepted into the United States Air Force where he flew fighter jet aircraft, medium capacity cargo planes, and helicopters, on assignments in Japan, Spain, Germany, Korea, and stateside. After an admirable 20-year military career, he retired as a Major in 1971. Soon afterwards, he transitioned into a long career with Cooperative County Extension, first in Iowa, then in Florida. Education and experience in horticulture served him well throughout his life.
Russ lived enthusiastically. From hunting and fishing to golfing and square-dancing, he was ready for any adventure. Motoring across the country in a motorhome offered ample opportunity to hone videographer skills, where he documented every event and scenic landscape. He was a consummate storyteller, remembering vivid details, and entertained friendly banter with friends about college sports. He was a willing teacher and entertaining prankster. He loved his country and his family.
There have been pets through the years. Surviving though is Josh, "a man's cat" who mourns the lap of his master.
His Catholic faith found him devoted to rosary work, becoming a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and keeper of columbarium maintenance, all at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Bella Vista.
His parents, sisters Neva Irene, Marguerite Elaine, and Marilyn Janice, and first wife Jean (Gaylor), and daughter Kitty Cavanaugh predeceased him.
Russ is survived by his wife, Mary Jean (Edwards Cavanaugh) Swanson, and their large, blended family of nine children, 27 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren.
Mass of the Resurrection will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 17, 2021, at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church, Bella Vista, with military honors. The rosary will be at 9:30 a.m. Interment on site immediately following mass. No visitation is planned. Rather than flowers, consider a memorial donation to charity of choice.
Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory. Fond memories and condolences may be shared at www.funeralmation.com.
Russ lived enthusiastically. From hunting and fishing to golfing and square-dancing, he was ready for any adventure. Motoring across the country in a motorhome offered ample opportunity to hone videographer skills, where he documented every event and scenic landscape. He was a consummate storyteller, remembering vivid details, and entertained friendly banter with friends about college sports. He was a willing teacher and entertaining prankster. He loved his country and his family.
There have been pets through the years. Surviving though is Josh, "a man's cat" who mourns the lap of his master.
His Catholic faith found him devoted to rosary work, becoming a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and keeper of columbarium maintenance, all at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Bella Vista.
His parents, sisters Neva Irene, Marguerite Elaine, and Marilyn Janice, and first wife Jean (Gaylor), and daughter Kitty Cavanaugh predeceased him.
Russ is survived by his wife, Mary Jean (Edwards Cavanaugh) Swanson, and their large, blended family of nine children, 27 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren.
Mass of the Resurrection will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 17, 2021, at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church, Bella Vista, with military honors. The rosary will be at 9:30 a.m. Interment on site immediately following mass. No visitation is planned. Rather than flowers, consider a memorial donation to charity of choice.
Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory. Fond memories and condolences may be shared at www.funeralmation.com.
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