Kenneth Ken Earl Swain

A native of Beaufort, NC and resident of Prairieville, LA, he passed away on Thursday, May 24, 2012. He was 73 years old. Ken began his over 31 years of US military service with 9 ½ years in the US Air Force, where he earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. He then transferred to the US Army as a Warrant Officer. He achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4/P. He led communications and electronics platoons with the 82nd Airborne Division, the 7th Special Forces Group, and for two tours in Vietnam: in 1968 in the 173d Airborne Brigade and in 1972 near the DMZ supporting the 101st Airmobile Division and other units. Ken was a Senior Parachutist and Jump Master. He also received the following military honors: Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with triple Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with double Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with six campaigns, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Ken is also the 75th recipient of the US Army Signal Corp Association’s Order of Mercury. He is survived by his loving wife, Rose Burnitt Swain; two daughters and sons-in-law, Kendra and Randy Trahan and Shari and Edward Boggs; son and daughter-in-law, Craig and Diane Swain; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Douglas and Susan Swain, L.C. Swain, and Shelby Swain; eight grandchildren, Amanda, Carolyn, Leanna, Camille, Chanelle, Jessica, Savannah, and Sabrina; and feline friend, Saki. Preceded in death by his parents, Leland Norman and Giulia Golden Swain; and two brothers, Robert and Horace G. Swain. A visitation will be held at Ourso Funeral Home, Gonzales, on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Visitation will resume at the funeral home on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 from 10 a.m. until religious service at 11 a.m., conducted by Associate Pastor Chuck Lowman. Burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. in Port Hudson National Cemetery, Zachary. Pallbearers will be provided by the US military. Memorial donations may be made to Woodlawn Baptist Church Building Fund, 5805 Jones Creek Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70817. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.oursofh.com.