Ralph Swearngin
December 10, 2008
Ralph Swearngin, 69, died at Iowa Lutheran Hospital December 10, 2008. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 13, 2008 at Hamilton’s Mitchellville Funeral Home with visitation held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial of cremated remains will be at Mitchellville Cemetery.
Ralph was born August 12, 1939 in Lincoln, MO to Roy and Audrey Swearngin. He graduated from Smith Cotton High School in Sedalia, MO in 1957. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1957 – 1959. Ralph started with the USDA in Laurel, MS as a poultry inspector. He worked up through a series of promotions ending with an appointment as the regional director in Des Moines, retiring in 1994. He lived in Mississippi, Alabama, and Missouri, before ending up in Des Moines in 1975. He loved gardening and watching NASCAR, but his greatest joy were his grandchildren.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Peggy; his sons: Jeff (Elaine) and Jim (Jennifer); and his grandchildren: Cory, Bryce, and Addison. He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson Jacob; and his brother Bob.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Animal Rescue League in loving memory of Ralph.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Patricia and Albert Reine Sr.
12/12/2008
We are so saddened to hear of the passing of Ralph. He was a classmate of mine and will be missed. I know that many of our class remember our years together with happeness of the times we shared. Please know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Albert A. Reine Sr. and wife Patty
Donna Schrader
12/11/2008
My prayers go to you Peggy and your family. I worked under Ralph in the early 1990's and spent many hours in his office just visiting. He loved to tease and did so with me over and over. I will always remember him.
Mike Holbrook
12/11/2008
Peggy,
My deepest condolences on your and our loss. Ralph was a man easy to love. But, a man that all respected as well. I have many fond reflections. Yet, I'm not settled in on his passing.
Just remember his smile and great laugh.
With warm personal regards,
Mike Holbrook
Cindy (Richardson) Campbell
12/12/2008
Dear Mom, Jim & Jeff,
I remember calling you that for so many years while working for you in the library and then still stopping by when I went to Sr High.
I am so Sorry for the loss of your husband, and father. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. I know I am many miles away but if there is anything I can do for you just let me know.
Barbara Freund
12/12/2008
Dear Peggy,
Please accept my sincere sympathy to you and your family. The classmates of 1957 are saddened to learn of Ralph's death. We will post his obituary on the class website which is www.1957.com. It may take a few days to have it appear on the Memorial Page as Ron Hoppes does this for us. The password you may have to use is DRAKE.
May many good memories of your loved one sustain you in the days ahead. God bless you.
Sincerely,
Barbara Freund
Smith-Cotton Class of 57
Dee & Mike Scharfenberg
12/11/2008
Sorry to hear about Ralph. Mike and I are in Denver until 23rd of December. Please let everyone know they are in our thoughts and prayers.
sheri mally
12/11/2008
To all the Swearngin family:
We are so sorry for the passing of your loved one. My most vivid memory of him is his being the first one (along with Peggy, of couse) on the bleachers to watch Cory play whatever sport was in season. There never was a more loyal supporter, or a prouder father and grandfather. Our thoughts are with you during this sad time.
Sheri Mally and family
Jeani Plautz
12/11/2008
Peggy and boys,
I just want you to know that you are in my prayers.
Ralph was the greatest boss of all time. He was always fair and made you feel like you were an important part of his team.
Ralph was a unique person and he touched so many people's lives. His influence, his kind word, even when you messed up, and the influence he had in my life made such a difference. He had a way to convey the message that everyone messes up but if you learn from it - it was worth it. He always thought of his employees in so many ways and I have missed working for him.
No one could be a better boss or friend than Ralph Swearngin.
We were all blessed when Ralph came into our lives.
God Bless.