David Willits Swanson

Born in Galesburg, IL on November 29th, 1936, a second-generation Swede and the second son to Evar and Sara Swanson. Younger brother to Courtney Evar Swanson (deceased 2003) and married to Sharon Ruth Swanson our mother (deceased 2023). Dave ‘Pop” is survived by three grateful children: Shawn Marie Bogen of Yokosuka, Japan, Stephen Evar Swanson (Lezlie) of Katy, TX and David Erik Swanson (Sally Ann) of Atlanta, GA; ten awesome grandchildren, Jenna, Emily, Leif, John David, Claire and Chloe; Dylan and Faith; Marissa and Rachel; and four beautiful great grandchildren Sebastian & Rose; Banks & Bazi.

Dave lived a life committed to the service of his country and his family. Upon his graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point NY in 1958 Cadet Company C-2, Dad would go on to sign up for every combat training available, Airborne, Ranger, Jumpmaster and Infantry before serving three tours in Vietnam and Korea. Dad served in the 1st Cavalry Air Cav and 101st Airborne. Dad would never ask anyone to do anything he wasn’t willing to do himself which is why he was the tip of the spear on his military ground missions. That commitment comes with a high risk. He received the Military Silver Star, 2-Bronze Stars, Purple Heart, 7 Air Medals and 3-Meritorious Service Medals amongst many other commendations and spent many months in hospitals between missions. He shed his blood to carry out the missions that his military superiors ordered of him and he saved lives in the process.

After serving in combat theaters, Dad returned to the states and served at the Command & General Staff College in Kansas, and later as a Professor of Military Science (ROTC PMS) at the University of Hawaii, and was tasked with starting the ROTC Program at the University of Guam where his Freshman class would go on to Win the Warrior of the Pacific Award, a National competition to determine the BEST ROTC Programs in the United States. Dad loved learning from his career and teaching others how to overcome the challenges they would face in combat, and in life. He would encourage you to do your best, for your own benefit. Dad had a positive impact on his family and HUNDREDS of Military Cadets. Dad was a PROUD and GRATEFUL AMERICAN! Dad’s final mission for the military was in Fort Sheridan, IL serving the Army Reserves.

During his career he was committed to continued education obtaining his Masters in Speech Communications and Human Relations from the University of Kansas and he obtained an MBA from the University of Hawaii after retiring from the Army.

Dad was an avid reader, loved studying Military and American History, listening to Jazz music, old and new, collecting baseball cards, coins and stamps (American memorabilia) he enjoyed Golfing, visiting with West Point classmates, childhood friends and visiting with his family. After Dad retired from the military, (he would tell people that he was forced out), he retired to Oahu where he lived until 2025. During those retirement years he would travel, play golf, build on his collections, and entertain friends and family as often as he could. Dad was a GRACIOUS host and entertainer, an Officer and a Gentleman.

He, and we, are grateful for every relationship and Year, that we had through and with Dad. Dad’s favorite thing to do was hanging out with friends and family, he Loved Life. Dad also spent a lot of time in hospitals and never complained. We are also grateful for the service of EVERY Military Nurse and Doctor that cared for Dad throughout his life. As a 100% Disabled Veteran, Dad received Exceptional Care from the Veterans Administration and the staff of Tripler Army Medical Center.

Raised as Christians, we are content that Dad is in a better place, free from his cancer battle, catching up, dancing, laughing, celebrating with those who he loved and preceded him in their own rebirth. His fellow soldiers and Patriots, his daughter Susannah, his parents Evar and Sara, his brother ‘Corky’, our mother Sharon, son-in-law Andrew Bogen and daughter-in-law Anita Swanson and ALL of his many friends. He would keep track of every one of his 1958 West Point classmates, Dad, we have updated your page and we are HONORED and PRIVILEDGED to learn our Life and Love lessons from YOU. We Love You, We Miss You, We THANK You for spending the last three months with us instead of your beautiful island home, We Salute You…You have Served with Honor, Grace and Selflessness. You will be remembered FONDLY FOREVER!

We will host a Celebration of Life for Dad in Dekalb, IL on Friday, September 19th. Dad will be laid to rest via Military Funeral Honors next to Evar and Sara, Sharon and daughter, Susannah at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens in Galesburg, IL on Saturday, September 20th, 2025.

In lieu of flowers we would ask that you make a donation to www.foldsofhonor.org. An organization dedicated to providing scholarships to families of American fallen soldiers and disabled military veterans.