Richard Swailes

RICHARD SWAILES

Ainsworth

Richard L. Swailes, 89, passed away peacefully at the United Presbyterian Home in Washington, Iowa, on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014. He was born June 21, 1925, on the family farm in Ainsworth, third son to James and Helen (Dvorak) Swailes.

Richard proudly served his country in the Air Force from 1946 to 1947 and was later united in marriage to Mary Anne Havel on Aug. 23, 1950, at the Riverside Methodist Church. Richard was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church of Riverside and served as the Highland Township clerk for 45 years.

Richard was a lifelong farmer, working with livestock and crops. He was skillful in machine repair and large field projects such as tiling and improving waterways. Richard liked mowing and baling hay in the business he shared with his son. Richard also immensely enjoyed bowling, playing up to three times a week, and watching basketball, football and baseball. He was an avid supporter of Highland High School sports where he was his grandchildren's biggest fan. He took pleasure in attending family birthdays and holidays, caring for his dog, Max, and playing his favorite card game, Bid Euchre.

Richard was a devoted husband and primary caregiver for his wife, Mary Anne, whom he had cared for extensively in her final years and missed dearly.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at the Sorden-Lewis Home for Funeral and Cremation Services in Riverside. Pastor Ed Peterson will officiate the services, with full military rites provided by the Riverside V.F.W. Post 6414. Burial will be held at a later date. Following the service, a time of food and fellowship will be held at the Trinity United Methodist Church. Visitation for Richard will be held on Friday, Oct. 3, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Sorden-Lewis Funeral Home in Riverside.

Memorials may be directed to the Richard L. Swailes Memorial Fund.

Online condolences may be sent to the Swailes family at www.

lewisfuneralhomes.com.

Richard will be deeply missed by his daughter, Leanne R. Swailes of Cedar Rapids; son, David R. Swailes and wife, Sara (Gerdes) Swailes, of Columbus Junction; and grandchildren, Emily J. Swailes, Janelle E. Gochenouer, Heidi A. Bohall and her husband, Dan Bohall, and Aaron D. Swailes. He is survived by one sister, Marie Shalla of Kalona, Iowa.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, James and Helen Swailes; wife, Mary Anne Swailes; and two brothers, Donald and Ernest Swailes.