SMSgt Gene Edward Swearingen U.S.A.F. (Retired)

Retired USAF SMSgt Gene Swearingen 85, of San Antonio, Texas passed away on February 2nd, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. Gene was born in Shirley, IL on December 10, 1932 to Glover Floyd Swearingen and Mary Hazel Carwile.

Gene enlisted in USAF after his graduation from Heyworth High School in IL 1951. Gene served in the Vietnam and Korean War. He received the Bronze Star, Air Force and Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation medals. Gene served in the Fifth U.S Army 1983-1995 JA/ATT. He retired on January 01, 1976 having proudly served 24 years. Gene went on to retire from Civil Service after 20 years. Gene received his B.A. Political Science from University of Maryland and was past member of Pi Sigma Alpha. Gene later earned his Master’s in International Relations from Arkansas. Gene was an enthusiastic ham radio operator.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, of 10 years, Beatriz Perez Swearingen, siblings Virginia Harmon & Loretta Porter of Bloomington, IL, and Marilyn Thompson (Donald) of Danvers, IL, son Randy Swearingen (Sue) of Crowell, TX, daughter Sheryl Ann McLaury (Buster) of Paducah, TX, step children; Armando Amador Jr. (Debbie), Angel Amador (Sheena) and Betty Amador (Mario). He is also survived by his 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Extended family members and friends.

A visitation will begin at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2017, at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Highway with a Prayer Service to begin at 7:00 pm that same evening. A funeral procession will depart the funeral home on Thursday, February 16, 2017 after a 9:30 a.m. Chapel Service with Interment and Full Military Honors to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road. In lieu of flowers the family request donations are made to the San Antonio Wounded Warriors Project. Expressions of sympathy can be made at www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com