Almon E. Swinehart

WASHINGTON...Almon E. "Al" Swinehart, 91, of Washington and Eureka, passed away at 4:15 a.m., Friday, December 2, 2011 at Washington Christian Village. Al was born on June 27, 1920 in Gillett, Arkansas, a son of Charles H. and Ruby Simpson Swinehart. Al was united in marriage to Eddis J. Bechtel on June 29, 1956 in Eureka. Eddis preceded him in death on February 18, 1982. Also preceding him in death were his son, Robert, on March 30, 2007 and his special friend, Betty Blumenshine on April 10, 2007. Surviving are two grandchildren, Timothy J. Swinehart and Wendy K. (Swinehart) Wenskunas; and four great grandchildren, Jade, Keegan, Cody and Kayla. Also surviving is Betty?s family, namely, Kathy (Scott) Deatherage of Washington and their children, Kayla, Robert, Charise (Wes) Markas and Kelli Jo; LouAnn (Mike) Mathews of Morton and their children Rusty Graff and Melissa (Adam) Hendrick and children Addison, Duke and Hudson; and Beth (Roger) Horton and their children Jeremy (Tara and son, Justin), Jessica and Sammy. Al grew up in Quincy where he attended school graduating from Quincy High School. He entered the military on January 16, 1942, serving until September 26, 1945 achieving the rank of First Sergeant. He was with the Army Infantry 3rd Armored Division in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. Awards received included European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with a Silver Battle Star, Overseas Bars and Good Conduct Medal. He retired from The Gates Rubber Company, Sales Division as a District Manager. Al resided in Eureka and Washington for many years. While a Washington resident, Al served for 12 years as a City Alderman of Ward 3. He was also a member of the Rotary Club of Washington as well as a Paul Harris Fellow Funeral services for Al will be on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 2 p.m. at the Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington with the Pastor Jim Gorby officiating. Burial will follow in Olio Township Cemetery in Eureka where military graveside rites will be accorded by the U.S. Army and the Tazewell Military Rites Team. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Those serving as pallbearers are Dean Skinner, Scott Deatherage, Robert Deatherage, Lyle Shaw, Bob Knapp and David Weaver. Memorials may be directed to either American Cancer Society or the Rotary Foundation.