Byron Monroe Swalley

Bryon Monroe “Pete” Swalley, 81, of Granite City, IL passed away in his home on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born September 17, 1942, in East St Louis, IL to Carter and Alpha (Meng) Swalley. Pete was drafted to the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was a sharpshooter who protected ammunition at Cam Ranh Bay. He received the Vietnam Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. After his time in the Army, Pete was a night foreman at American Steel Foundry. Pete also worked for Hayden Wrecking for some time before returning to American Steel Foundry where he then retired. Once he finally retired Pete and Sandra enjoyed traveling with Sue and Babe Champion for several years as part of the Granite City Travels. The first big trip was a cruise to the Hawaiian Islands. Despite the many disasters along this trip, it was a fabulous time. He married the love of his life, Sandra Pendleton on June 20, 1964, they had three children: Dean, Rae and Tara. Pete was an avid Gardner and fisherman. He spent countless hours on the water casting his line in search of and catching “the big one”. One of his greatest pleasures was teaching his children and grandchildren the love of fishing and art of gardening especially “watering and weeding”. Pete was an organic gardener before it became cool. He shared his array of vegetables with family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Pete’s love for his family and friends was unwavering and his passion for fishing and gardening will live on through his legacy.

Survivors left to cherish his memory include his wife of 59 years, Sandra Swalley, Children, Dean Monroe (Tina) Swalley and Rae Lynn Crouch; grandchildren, Kristen (Bryan) Fulton, Charles “Chaz” Swalley and Jada Lyn Pool; great-grandchildren, Elijah “Eli” Fulton, Emery Fulton, and Destiny Swalley and three of his siblings. And we cannot forget his precious cat Peggy Sue who stayed by his side day and night until the end. Pete was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Tara Lyn Pool; son in law, Terry Crouch and six of his siblings.

A visitation for Pete will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm in Lake View Funeral Home, 5000 N. Illinois St. Fairview Heights IL 62208 with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 in the funeral home. Interment in Lake View Memorial Gardens.

Memorial Contributions can be made to Songs4Soliders, an organization his daughter, Rae, volunteered for and all the proceeds go to local combat veterans, Hospice of Southern Illinois, or the Granite City APA.

A special thank you to the staff at John Cochran oncology department for the wonderful care and to Hospice of Southern Illinois, especially Jeanie.