Elmer Swift

Elmer J. Swift was born July 15, 1925, to Elmer and Etta (Thiles) Swift in Persia, Iowa. He grew up east of Woodbine and attended Merry Brook and Douglas Hill Country Schools and then went to Woodbine High School through 9th grade.  He then started farming. On August 31, 1947, Elmer married Doris Baughman at the R.L.D.S. Church in Denison. The couple lived northwest of Woodbine and purchased their farm in 1947. In 1962 they moved into their current home. Elmer’s cattle were trained; as soon as he would pull in, the cattle would come to the yard. He sold Grade A milk and also raised hogs. Besides farming, Elmer operated a gas station and fuel truck, did custom corn shelling, trucking, and baling. He also helped build Rose Vista and the Community of Christ Church.

Elmer was a member of Followers of Christ and was a priest in the church. He was also a member of the Odd Fellows, where he became a Noble Grand. He loved his cattle and fishing. He took several fishing trips to Canada. He enjoyed coming to town for coffee at Casey’s with a stop at Walker’s and the grain elevator.

Elmer died on Tuesday, March 26, 2019, at Rose Vista at the age of 93 years, eight months, and 11 days.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Doris Swift on October 17. 2018; daughter, Doretta Sue Swift; great grandson, Brendan Hurst; sister, Verdeen Jensen; brother, Eugene Swift; sister-in-law, Paula Swift and brother-in-law, Jerry Jensen. He is survived by nine children, Kenard (Amy) Swift, Gaylin (Connie) Swift all of Woodbine, Charlene (Kenneth) Meyer of St Joseph, Missouri, Roseann (Gary) Freeland of Panora, Iowa, Randal (Tracy) Swift of Magnolia, Iowa, Andrea Swift of Woodbine, Iowa, Alvin (Carol) Swift of Mingo, Iowa, Delwin (Sher) Swift of McKinney, Texas, Denise (Kelly) Hallagan of Council Bluffs, Iowa; daughter-in-law Deb Swift of Dunlap, Iowa; 17 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; brother, Lloyd (Marilyn) Swift of Logan, Iowa; sister, Geneva (Ron) Norris of Republic, Missouri; sister-in-law Arloe (Marvin) Talcott of Independence, Missouri; and many other relatives and friends.