David Swain

DAVID HENRY SWAIN

Marion

David Henry Swain, 85, of Marion, passed away at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Hiawatha, on Friday, Sept. 30, 2016, following a bout of pneumonia.

David is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ruth of Marion; his children, Walter and wife Amanda of London, England, Michael of Cedar Rapids, Karen Hale of Cedar Rapids, Leigh Ann Swain of Indianola and Carla and husband Tommy Barrow of Marion; 11 grandchildren, Joel (Shawna), Kimberly, Matthew, Chad (Valerie), Billy, Randy (Laura), Ryan, Robert (Alissa), Lee (Bri), Kasie (Matt) and River; nine great-grandchildren; and special friend, Lynn Kruse.

David was born Dec. 6, 1930, in Des Moines, Iowa, the only son of Walter and Ruth (Thomas) Swain. He married Ruth Anne Herbert on April 2, 1955, in Des Moines. He did various jobs throughout his life, but was primarily involved in the construction trade and retired from Howard R. Green Co., an engineering and architectural company, in 1995. He was instrumental in coordinating construction of many projects during his career, notably the reconstruction of the old State Historical Building dome, the new State Historical Building, the old Cedar Rapids Library, the Indianola Balloon Museum and Kirkwood Community College.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family wishes to thank the Mercy Hospital ICU and ninth-floor staff, along with the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, for its kind and loving care of our husband and father.

David donated his physical body to the University of Iowa. Per the family's wishes, no formal service will be held. A private family gathering will be held at a later date.

"Bear no malice but rejoice in the love and joy that is the womb of mortality."

In lieu of flowers, consider a memorial donation to the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, 315 18th Ave., Hiawatha, IA 52233.

Please share a memory of David at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.