John Ray Swonger, age 60 of Olathe, Ks. formerly of the Beagle Community, died unexpectedly Saturday, June 16, 2012 at his home.

John was born September 09, 1951 in Dodge City, Ks. He was the second of three children of Melvin Leroy and Juanita Mildred (Powell) Swonger.

John attended Almena, Ks. schools, and graduated from Almena High School in the class of 1970. He then attended the Goodland Vo-Tech from 1970-1971. John also attended Johnson County Community College throughout the years.

John was married to Wanda Landauer on June 3, 1972 in Norton, Ks. They lived in Sterling, Co. They became the parents of two children.

He worked at SPX Cooling Towers in Olathe, Ks. since the early 90’s until 2008 in shipping/ receiving and in maintenance.

John was married to Donna Sue McConnell on February 03, 1979 in Almena, Ks. They lived in Norton, Ks. They moved to Almena, Ks. in 1979 and became the parents of three children.

In 1989 the family moved to Beagle, Ks. The marriage ended in divorce in 2001.

John enjoyed cooking and playing darts.

John was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors are five children: Kelley Swonger of San Diego, Ca. Michael Swonger of Osawatomie (Beagle Community), Ks., Crystal Swonger of Lodi, Ca., Melody Kerr of Osawatomie (Beagle Community), Ks. and Robin Farrar of Garnett, Ks Two sisters: Katherine Archer of Kansas City, Ks. and Teresa Peterson of Hastings, Nebraska. Eighteen grandchildren; one great –grandchild and one on the way.

Services will be 1:30pm Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at the Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home 203 Main, Osawatomie, Ks. 66064 (913-755-2114). Visitation will be 6-8pm Tuesday at the funeral home. Instate after 1:30pm on Tuesday.

Memorials are to the Forest Park Children’s Church Camp