Eugene Calvin Swager

Eugene Calvin Swager was peacefully embraced by God's loving arms on May 9, 2017, in Peoria, Illinois at the age of 92. Gene was born on September 8, 1924 in Pontiac, Illinois to William and Nellie Gibson Swager. After graduating from Pontiac High School, he entered the service and became an officer in the Army Air Corps. Following his service, he married June Armstrong of Pontiac, Illinois, with whom he had two daughters. He obtained his degree in architecture at the University of Illinois in 1949 and furthered his education with a three year apprenticeship in architecture in Bloomington, Illinois.

In conjunction with Forest Phillips, Gene established the architectural firm Phillips Swager Associates in 1954 in Peoria, IL. Before Gene's retirement, he had established additional offices in Dallas, Texas and Naperville, Illinois. He was named President Emeritus upon his retirement in 1992.

Gene received the Distinguished Achievement Award from the Illinois Council of the American Institute of Architects, cited for advancement of the profession at the local, state, and national levels. He served as chapter president, president of the Illinois Council and was National Director representing the state of Illinois on the national board of the American Institute of Architects. He was advanced to fellow in 1976 while also serving as chairman of the A.I.A. Research Corporation and vice chairman of the A.I.A. Benefit Insurance program. He chaired the A.I.A. National Convention in 1982 and was awarded the Consulting Engineers Council of Illinois First Interprofessional Award.

Subsequent to his wife's death in 1980, Gene married Harriett Pearson Altorfer and welcomed her three daughters and their families into his life. Gene's love of family, God, and community is evident in his involvement throughout Peoria. He was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church, a founding board member of Peoria's Habitat for Humanity chapter, president and chairman of the board and trustee of the YMCA, founding member of the board and later chairman of the I.C.C. Foundation and Methodist Medical Center Foundation. He served as a board member of Heart of Illinois, United Way, Country Club of Peoria, Opera Illinois, Youth Farm Foundation and Western Illinois advisory council. He was also active in his support of visual and performing arts in the community.

Eugene is survived by his wife Harriett Swager, daughters, Janice Cheney (Mrs. Greg) of Rockford, IL, and Judith Carpenter (Mrs. Joe) of Golden, Colorado, their five children and six grandchildren. Also, surviving are stepdaughters, Joanne Bowles (Mrs. Shelly) and Carol Vance (Mrs. Hobey) of Dallas, Texas, Linda Tullis (Mrs. James) of North Palm Beach, Florida, and their eight children and nineteen grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at First Federated Church in Peoria at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, May 13, 2017. Rev Dr. Forrest Krummel will officiate.

Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to First Federated Endowment Fund or the charity of your choice.

To view Gene’s memorial page or to leave an online condolence please go to www.davison-fulton.com.