Thomas R. Swanson

Services for Thomas "Tom" Swanson, 80, of Chariton, Iowa will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. Memorials may be made to Pin Oak Marsh.

Tom was born on December 25, 1942, to Harold L. Swanson and Betty E. (Baker) Swanson in Marshalltown, Iowa.

In 1946, they moved to Chariton where he grew up, graduating from Chariton High School. He was the oldest of two children with a younger sister, Linda.

In his early years, he worked at several jobs around Chariton. He also worked at and operated the Standard Oil for a year and a half. Then worked as a mechanic and parts man for Snider Motors. After that, he worked at Hy Vee and retired after 34 years.

Tom married Shirley Gartin on November 6, 1971. They enjoyed 43 years together.

Tom enjoyed working on guns and shooting with his friend, Chuck Hixson, as well as working on both of his pickups. He also fed the deer and birds that came to his backyard. He enjoyed going out to eat with his family.

Tom said, “Life has been one hell of a ride, glad I got to enjoy it.”

Left to remember him are his son, Jeff Swanson and wife, Vicki; daughter, Stacy McWilliams and husband, Steve; sister, Linda Vredenburg and husband, John; and many other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Betty, and wife, Shirley Swanson.