Gene Allen Swanson

GENE ALLEN SWANSON HICKORY-Gene Allen Swanson, 81, of Hickory went home to be with his Lord on November 17, 2014. Born on February 1, 1933 in Caldwell County, he was the son of the late Bartlett Haywood and Viola Robinson Swanson. He graduated Hudson High School, attended UNC Chapel Hill, and Clevengers Business School. Gene was a member of Temple Baptist Church. He served as a Deacon, Sunday School Director, Youth Director, Sunday School Teacher, Outreach Leader, and choir member. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Gene served in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict. He was an avid Carolina Tar Heels fan. Gene played baseball in his youth and enjoyed golf later in life. He was happiest when he was with his family. Some of his favorite moments were family trips together. He was a licensed contractor and Real Estate Broker and also served as a Hickory City Police Officer. Gene retired from the car industry after many years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Sarah House; a brother, B. H. Swanson Jr, and an infant brother, Lewis Lynn Swanson. Survivors include his loving wife of sixty years, Maxine Barbour Swanson of Hickory. Children, Gary Allen Swanson and wife Sherry of Newton, Kenneth Dale (Kenny) Swanson and wife Juan of Lincolnton, Donna Swanson Warmuth and husband Greg of Boone. Grandchildren, Nichole McClintock and husband Daniel of Charlotte, Kimberly Hardin and husband Nate of Miami, FL, Mindy Reynolds and husband Marc of Bedford, VA, Tim Swanson and wife Constance of Hickory, Trip Huffstetler of Rocky Mount, Ali Huffstetler of Lincolnton, Allison Averette and husband Josh of Creedmoor, Lindsey Bradshaw of Hickory, John Bradshaw of Hickory, Owen Warmuth and Riley Warmuth of Boone; six great-grandchildren, sisters, Christine Gentry of Lenoir, Elizabeth Conyers of San Antonio, TX, and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 12 PM at Temple Baptist Church with Pastor Lloyd King officiating. Burial will follow at Catawba Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 19, 2014 from 7-9 PM at Catawba Funerals & Cremations. Memorials may be made to Temple Baptist Church, 825 Lenoir Rhyne Blvd SE, Hickory, NC 28602. Condolences may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com. Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations are providing professional services to the Swanson Family.