J.K. Swilley passed away Friday, April 4, 2014 at Southeast Hospital at the age of 83 years, 4 months and 13 days.
J.K. Swilley was brought into this world on November 22, 1930 by Lena Ethel (Frizzell) Swilley and Bryan Swilley. Throughout his lifetime, J.K. stayed active. He served in the United States Air Force, and he was a deacon at the First Baptist Church in Portageville where he was very involved in his Sunday school class. J.K. was also a 32nd degree Mason with Point Pleasant-Totty Lodge. The role that kept him most active, however, was one he took on for a lifetime- that of a farmer.
J.K. was united in marriage to Ann Rita Wathen on December 28, 1959 in Kewanee, MO. She preceded him in death September 27, 2010. Also preceding him in death were his parents, Bryan and Lena Ethel Swilley, and 1 brother, Bryan M. Swilley.
Those who live and carry on J.K.'s memory are his son, John "Kibb" (Lale) Swilley of San Marcos, CA, his daughter, Lorna (Van) Turnage of Portageville, 3 brothers, Bryan "Bo" Swilley of Horn Lake, MS, Don Swilley of Sikeston, MO, and B.W. Swilley of Hazel, AR, his sister, Neva Norman of Fairhope, AL, and 2 grandsons, John and Kent Swilley.
Visitation for J.K. was held Sunday, April 6, 2014 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a masonic service taking place at 6:30p.m. Funeral services were held Monday, April 7, 2014 at the First Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend John Compere officiating. Burial service followed immediately at Portageville Cemetery with full military rites.
Please send condolences to the family online at www.delislefuneralhome.net.