Charles Junior Swanson, 87, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Tuesday (October 29, 2013) at the University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.

Junior was born November 12, 1925, the son of Charley and Pearl (Logston) Swanson. On August 2, 1951, he married Wilma Jean Conner. They lived most of their lives in the Morelock community. They spent 35 years on their farm and then moved to Kirksville.

Junior loved the farm but also enjoyed running the motor grader. He worked for nine years for Adair County and also for Penn Township until his health failed. Junior served as a board member for the A.S.C.S. He was also a board member for the Morelock Cemetery for many years. With the help of his wife, he took care of the cemetery for more than 50 years.

Junior and Wilma enjoyed having their family reunion every year. Junior’s family meant so much to him and he felt this was a way to keep the family close. He will be remembered as someone who went out of his way to help others and never asked for anything in return. He will be missed by all who knew him as he could always brighten the day.

Junior leaves behind his wife Wilma of 63 years, his sisters-in-law, Isabella Swanson and June Conner, several nieces, nephews, and cousins, and three special friends, Richard Buck, Wilma Elsea and Diane Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, two brothers, Herb and Bill, one sister, Ilene Miller, one nephew, and one great-niece.

Junior’s wish was to be cremated. His memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 2, 2013, at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with Reverend Glen Kiger officiating. Visitation with the family will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the service begins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Morelock Cemetery or to the Green Castle Cemetery. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.