Swenson Jr., Keneal

Keneal Swenson Jr., 82, passed away June 23, 2010, after a brief, but valiant struggle with cancer. The family will receive visitors at Rix Funeral Directors in Lubbock, Texas, from 4 to 7 p.m. today, with a rosary at 7 p.m. in the WW Rix Chapel. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated Monday, June 28, at 2 p.m., with graveside services immediately following at Resthaven Cemetery.

He was born in Nevada, Iowa, but had lived in Lubbock since 1962. He graduated from Nevada High School and served in the Navy for two years. In 1947, he began a career with Northrup King Seed Co. which spanned nearly 40 years. He was married on Sept. 11, 1954, to Eva Brannaman, and they were married for 47 years until her death in 2001.

Neal was an avid sports fan and golfer who enjoyed his annual outing with the Mountain Men, supporting various Red Raider teams, and watching his beloved Cubs.

Service to others was always a part of Neal's life. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for most of his adult life and held several leadership positions within that organization. Tuesday mornings found him at the Information Desk of Covenant Lakeside Hospital and he volunteered with Hospice of Lubbock for the past seven years. He also made time to act as a golf marshal at the Rawls Course two days a week. His concept of service also extended into his kitchen, where he frequently baked bread, muffins, cookies and kolaches to share with his neighbors and friends. He was an active member of Christ the King Cathedral for over 47 years.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Eve; his parents, Keneal Sr. and Gertrude (Ackerman) Swenson; and his sister, Berneal McKim.

He is survived by his five children and their spouses, Janeal Whitefield and Bill of Houston, Keneal Swenson III, Brad Swenson and Anita, all of Lubbock, Leslie Weber and Brian of Milwaukee and Patrice Streit and Scott of Montrose, Colo. His treasured grandchildren are Nickolas Whitefield and wife Laura, Patrice, Laura and Diana Whitefield, Jenks Currie and wife Erica, Keneal Swenson IV, Sarah and Darien Weber, Jonathan and Christian Streit. He has two great-grandchildren, Anne Kathryn and Garner Currie, and was anticipating the birth of a third to Nickolas and Laura Whitefield in late July.

Donations may be made to organizations that were special to Neal: Hospice of Lubbock, Christ the King Cathedral Building Fund or Special Olympics.

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