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Elwood Roy “Woody” Swails

Birth	:	17 Aug 1920 Harrisburg, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, USA
Death	:	9 Nov 2011 Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
Burial	:	Geneva Cemetery, Geneva, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate	:	40.5359900, -97.6064900
Plot	:	Sec. 6 Lot 50 Plot 01
Description	:	SWAILS, ELWOOD ROY WOODY--Elwood Roy Swails, Woody, to all who knew him, passed away November 9, 2011, at Heritage Crossings, Geneva, at the age of 91. He was born August 17, 1920, at Harrisburg, Pa. Woody’s mother died when he was only 12 and his brother, Robert, was only eight. They went to live with their grandmother, but then sadly, they lost her to death when Woody was a junior in high school. Woody then went to work delivering pharmacy supplies to druggists. Woody enlisted in the United States Army Air Force in 1942. ... Read More	SWAILS, ELWOOD ROY WOODY--Elwood Roy Swails, Woody, to all who knew him, passed away November 9, 2011, at Heritage Crossings, Geneva, at the age of 91. He was born August 17, 1920, at Harrisburg, Pa. Woody’s mother died when he was only 12 and his brother, Robert, was only eight. They went to live with their grandmother, but then sadly, they lost her to death when Woody was a junior in high school. Woody then went to work delivering pharmacy supplies to druggists. Woody enlisted in the United States Army Air Force in 1942. He was serving as a parachute rigger and stationed at Fairmont Air Base when he met Elvina Johnson of Sutton. They married on June 17, 1943, at Harrisburg, on a Saturday night. Elvina has shared many memories of those times, including the story of her boarding a train all alone and scared, but determined to join Woody in Florida when he was stationed there. She still has a gown her mother made from a silk parachute Woody had sent her while he was serving in Italy, the beautiful workmanship and strength of the silk is apparent, even now after these many years. One of the most touching memories is that of giving birth to their first born child, Eldon Ray, without Woody beside her as he was still serving overseas. He sent lengthy letters and telegrams expressing his concern and sorrow at not being there for their big event, and then the stories of him when he finally got to come home to them. After his honorable discharge from the military, Elwood and Elvina made their home in Geneva, where they were blessed by the births of two more sons, Robert Elwood and James Evens. Woody worked a few jobs including J.C. Penney’s and Shaner’s Chevrolet prior to going to work for Standard Oil at a brand new station in Geneva. He bought the station in 1952 and worked there until January 8, 2003, when he suffered a stroke. Since that time Woody resided at Heritage Crossings until his passing. During those years of raising three active boys and running Swails Standard, the family enjoyed several fishing trips to Minnesota and occasional other trips. After their boys were grown, Woody and Elvina often traveled to Colorado and even enjoyed a trip to the Bahamas. For their 40th anniversary, their sons sent them on a Caribbean cruise—a cruise Woody did not necessarily want to go on, but immediately was hoping to go on again. Toward the end of Woody’s active years, he loved Sunday afternoon shopping trips. He never seemed to want to stand still for too long. Woody is preceded in death by both of his parents, his brother, Robert, several extended family members and many dear friends. Remaining to remember him are his wife, Elvina; sons, Eldon; Bob and wife Connie; and Jim and his wife Linda; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; loving niece, Clarice Shaw; other extended family and many friends. Included in that group is the loving family at Heritage Crossings—through their kindness and compassion many at Heritage have indeed become like family to both Woody and Elvina, and also the many, many faithful customers of Swails Standard throughout the many years. Woody truly missed them when he could no longer continue at the station. When you think of Woody, please do so in celebration of his life, not in sorrow, as he enjoyed a long and happy life—he lived it to the fullest and for that, give thanks to God. Private family funeral services were held on November 14, at the Farmer and Son Funeral Home in Geneva, with pastor Becky Sells officiating. Nancy Jo Galusha accompanied Kris Johanson in the singing of “In the Garden,” “Wind Beneath My Wings,” “I’ll Be Seeing You,” and “How Great Thou Art.” Pallbearers for the service included Eldon, Bob, Connie, Jim, Linda and Daryn Swails. Interment was in the Geneva Public Cemetery. The Nebraska Signal November 23rd, 2011 page 4. ---------------------------------------------------------- Born to Roy and Gertrude (Dukes) Swails. Woody's mother died when he was only 12, and his borther Robert, was only eight. They went to live with their grandmother, but then sadly, they lost her to death when Woods was a jurnior in high school. Woody then went to work delivering pharmacy supplies to druggists. Wood enlisted in the United States Army Air Force in 1942. He was serving as a parachute rigger, and stationed at the Fairmont Air Base, when he met Elvina Johnson of Sutton. They married on June 17, 1943 at Harrisurg on a Saturday night. Woody worked a few jobs, including J.C. Penneys and Shaner's Chevrolet, prior to going to work for Standard Oil at a brand new station in Geneva. He bout the station in 1952 and worked there until January 8, 2003, when he suffered a stroke. Since that time Woody resided at the Heritage Crossings until his passing. Woody is preceded in death by both of his parents,his brother Robert, several extended family members, and many dear friends. Survivors include his wife, Elvina; sons Eldon Swails; Bob (Connie) Swails; Jim (Linda)Swails; 4 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. Note: Through research in Find-A-Grave, I have learned that Elwood's brother Robert, is buried in the same cemetery as their parents in PA.

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Elwood Roy “Woody” Swails's memorial?
Elwood Roy “Woody” Swails's memorial is located at: Geneva Cemetery, Geneva, Fillmore County, USA.
When did Elwood Roy “Woody” Swails death?
Elwood Roy “Woody” Swails death on 9 Nov 2011 in Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Elwood Roy “Woody” Swails's memorial?
Latitude: 40.5359900
Longitude: -97.6064900

Family Members:

Parent

Spouse

Elvina Marie “Dine” Johnson Swails

(1922 - 2015)

Siblings

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Nearby Cemetories:

1. Geneva Cemetery
Geneva, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.5359900, -97.6064900

2. Saint Josephs Cemetery
Geneva, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.5184200, -97.6145000

3. Fairmont Cemetery
Fairmont, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.6267014, -97.5674973

4. Zion Lutheran Cemetery
Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4668999, -97.7097015

5. Chelsea Cemetery
Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4808006, -97.4882965

6. Fairmont Catholic Cemetery
Fairmont, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.6394005, -97.5689011

7. Saint Marys Cemetery
Shickley, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4816700, -97.7295400

8. Holy Cross Cemetery
Grafton, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.6150017, -97.7108002

9. Grafton Cemetery
Grafton, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.6157990, -97.7106018

10. Shickley Cemetery
Shickley, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4166985, -97.7082977

11. Glengary Pioneer Cemetery
Ohiowa, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4518100, -97.4544100

12. Salem Cemetery
Shickley, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.3945000, -97.6733000

13. Bohemian Brethren Cemetery
Milligan, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.5098300, -97.4058300

14. Roe Cemetery
Fairmont, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.6912000, -97.5955000

15. Harmony Cemetery
Strang, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.3788986, -97.5381012

16. Fairview Cemetery
Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4817009, -97.8133011

17. Ohiowa Cemetery
Ohiowa, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4235992, -97.4428024

18. Exeter Cemetery
Exeter, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.6521988, -97.4364014

19. Horton Cemetery
Exeter, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.6911011, -97.5025024

20. Bohemian National Cemetery
Milligan, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4818993, -97.3878021

21. Saint Johns Lutheran Church Cemetery North
Ohiowa, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4213982, -97.4253006

22. Kasak Cemetery
Friend, Saline County, USA
Coordinate: 40.5393000, -97.3683000

23. Stockholm Lutheran Cemetery
Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4091988, -97.7767029

24. Summit Cemetery
Shickley, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.3656006, -97.6913986