Ernest Swanson

COL ERNEST E. SWANSON, JR. age 95, beloved husband for more than 70 years of Lois (nee Johnson); loving father of Leslie Stevenson (husband Mark), Sarah Schlotterback (husband Tom), E. Victor (wife Elaine), and Kermit (wife Lynn); devoted grandfather of Kristen Knoll (husband Pat), Ryan (wife Carrie), Adam and Jenna Phillips, Peter, Linnea, and Evan Swanson; step-grandfather of Brooke and Mark Schlotterback, Laura Shpak and Erica Boyne and great-grandfather of Katelynn and Peyton.

Ernest was born on August 8, 1921 and passed away on January 19, 2017. He was a 50 year resident of Gates Mills previously of Mayfield Heights. Ernest was a parishioner and treasurer of Bethlehem Lutheran church since 1954. He graduated from Axtell High School in Kansas and earned his Bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.  Ernest was a WWII U.S. Army Veteran and member of American Legion Post 214 in Axtell, KS.  He received his commission in 1943 and completed his army reserve career in 1979.  Colonel Swanson retired as the commandant of NE Ohio US Army Reserve Schools.  Ernest was an electrical engineer for Bailey Controls.  He was an avid reader, he loved trains, and golf. Ernest was a Cleveland sports fan and a fan of Kansas State. He enjoyed listening to big band music, and he loved to sing and whistle. Ernest had strong family ties. He was committed and loyal to his family and church. Ernest was conservative, generous, and giving. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Ernest’s memory to Bethlehem Lutheran Church Foundation 3740 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44121 or to Heifer International at www.heifer.org.

Cremation by DeJohn Crematory. Celebration of Life Service Friday January 27, 2017 at 1 PM at Bethlehem Lutheran Church with Military Honors. Reception will follow where family will receive friends in the church social hall. Private inurnment at Gates Mills North Cemetery. Arrangements by THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID.