Willis “Neale” Swan

Willis “Neale” Swan, 99, Nevada, Mo., passed away on Friday, April 28, 2023, at his home in Nevada. Neale was born Nov. 14, 1923, in Richards, Mo., to Oscar and Nina Alice (McCoy) Swan. He was united in marriage to Lois Lathrop and she passed away in 1973. He later married Fern Hord and she also preceded him in death in 2012.

Neale grew up in Richards and later Nevada where he graduated from Nevada High School Class of 1943. Neale served in the United States Army for three years during World War II and was awarded three Bronze Stars. Campaigns he fought in included Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. Following his service years, he returned to Nevada where he worked at Key Work Clothes for 25 years, then worked an additional nine years at 3M Nevada until his retirement in 1985. Neale was a longtime member of the Community Christian Church in Nevada. Other memberships included Nevada BPO Elks No. 564, and the American Legion.

Survivors include his granddaughter, Marsha Razo (Jesse) Springfield, Mo.; five great-grandchildren, Dustin Hagerman, Cheyenne Newberry, Steven Pearce, and Travis Pearce, all of Springfield, and Ashely Pearce of Nevada; 10 great-great-grandchildren, Felicity Newberry, Adam Newberry, Bradley Hagerman, Kascidy Hagerman, Corey Hagerman, Autumn Hagerman, Aurora Pearce, Grace Pearce, Cameron Pearce, and Taylor Pearce; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his son, Ronnie Swan; and his daughter, Lisa Mojonnier; three brothers, Kenneth Swan, Gordon Swan, and Lawrence Swan; and two sisters, Fern Pratt and Eleanor Olsen.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, May 6, at Ferry Funeral Home, in Nevada, with Pastor Adam Gordon officiating. Interment with Military Funeral Honors will follow in Newton Buril Park in Nevada. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested in his name to Community Christian Church in Nevada in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.