Born: May 18, 1942

Died: Aug. 3, 2012

Barry L. “Swampy” Swan passed away Friday, Aug. 3, 2012, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.

Swampy’s life began on May 18, 1942, in Joliet, Ill., the son of Richard and Marose (Welz) Swan.

He served his country in the United States Air Force during the time of the Vietnam War. Swampy was employed by Commonwealth Edison for many years. He was extremely patriotic and loved the American Flag and all it stands for. He enjoyed playing pool and riding his motorcycle.

Swampy belonged to the V-Twin motorcycle club in Joliet. His family includes his children, Tom Swan, of Streeter, Ill., Barry Swan, of Elkhart, and Bonnie (Bobby McCartney) Swan, of Dowagiac; grandchildren Danyell and Tonya Roberts, Elissa Roberts, Grace McCartney, Ricky Swan, Christine Swan and Tom Swan; and a sister, Kathy “Pinky” Zola of Joliet.

He is preceded in death by his parents; a son, Ricky Swan; a daughter, Tonya Swan; a brother, David Swan; and his companion, Kathy Andre.

His family will gather with friends 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012, for a celebration of his life at Yazel & Clark Chapel in Dowagiac. Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Swampy at www.yazel-clark.com.