Donald “Don” Louis Swarthout, 85, of Vienna, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veteran’s Hospital in Columbia.
He was born July 18, 1939, son of Charley and Ethel May (Holman) Swarthout in Rolla.
He was united in marriage to Wanda Karen Trueblood, Aug. 24, 1979, in Elizabeth City, N.C.
Don entered active federal service in the U.S. Army April 24, 1958, in St. Louis, and served until March 5, 1964, when he was honorably discharged at Fort Hamilton, N.Y., with the rank of Spec 4 (E4).
Don was a master carpenter and draftsman. He was a lifetime member of the VFW, where he served as commander while in North Carolina. He was also a member of the Vienna Lions Club and helped build the Duffin Ballfield in Vienna. Additionally, he was a member of the Radar United Methodist Church, Vienna. Don also helped design two memorial monuments while in North Carolina, one for the VFW Post and the other for the fallen soldiers of the Korean War that is outside the courthouse in Elizabeth City.
Don was preceded in death by granddaughter, Ashley Jones; parents, Charley and Ethel; brothers, Charles Swarthout, Ned Thomas “Tom” Swarthout, and Harry Delano Swarthout; sister, Amy “Jean” Asher; brothers-in-law, Ronald “Bud” Holmes and William “Bill” Hayes Asher; and sister-in-law, Dolores “Dee” Swarthout.
He is survived by wife of 45 years, Wanda, of the home near Vienna; sons, Nick Swarthout (Jennie) of Jefferson City, Jason Swarthout (Brenda) of California, and Donnie Jones (Betsy) of North Carolina; daughters, Michelle Murcia (Yuri) of Ohio and Lynn Price (Pete) of Florida; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brother, Dave Swarthout (Kay) of Vienna; and sister, Alice Holmes of Argyle.
Following Don’s wishes, the family has elected cremation, and a memorial will be held at a later date to be announced by Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, Vienna.
Memorials suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, Kan. 66675-8516.
