Memorial
Russ was born April 7, 1926 in Davis County to Russell Lyle and Sada May Paris Swearingen. He passed away July 20, 2019 at the age of 93 years, 3 months and 13 days.
Russ graduated from Bloomfield High School and the University of Iowa. He worked at Freuhauf Trailer and then Collins Radio until his retirement in 1987. He married Ila Robertson on June 11, 1955 at the First Baptist Church in Cedar Rapids. Together they had two sons and two daughters. They are members of Marion Christian Church.
Russ served during World War II with the 8th Army Infantry Division in Germany. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, European Theater Ribbon and two battle stars.
Russ loved hunting and fishing, playing golf and baseball and bowling. He was a huge fan of the Cardinals and Hawkeyes. Family was very important to him.
Russ was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Norman and his wife, Betty; grandson, Benjamin Scheer; two brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law.
Surviving are his wife, Ila; daughters Pamela (Wesley)Brackey of Marion and Patricia (Mike) Hastings of Meadowlakes, TX; two sons Russell (Deborah) Swearingen of Cedar Rapids and Ronald (Irene) Swearingen of Marion. His grandchildren are Jameson (Cassandra)Jackson, Jordan Brackey, Melanie Brackey, Nicole Rehm, Matthew Scheer, Israel Giribaldi, Nyssa Swearingen and Russell Swearingen; great-grandchildren Alexander and Lilah. He is also survived many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the VA Hospitals and Clinics, Unity Point Hospice, ManorCare, Comfort Care and Bright Star staff members for their compassion and care. Russ appreciated them very much.
Funeral service: 11:00 am, Friday, July 26, 2019 at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories with the Rev. Peter Mitchell officiating. Burial with military rites will be in Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-7 pm Thursday at the Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom.