Elmer Swims

Elmer E. Swims, 77, of Wardell, Mo., died Saturday, March 19, 2005, at Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center in Kennett.

Born Jan. 15, 1928, in Bragg City, Mo., son of the late James Chester and Lillie Ellis Swims, he worked for the county maintenance department and was a member of Living Word Tabernacle in Gibson, Mo.

On Nov. 14, 1944, in Osceola, Ark., he married Geraldine Hughes, who preceded him in death on Sept. 13, 2001. He was also preceded in death by one daughter, Mirinda Swims; one son, Gary Elmer Swims; two brothers, James Chester and Adolf Swims and two sisters, Shirley and Betty.

Survivors include three sons, Mike Swims, of Wardell, Ronnie Swims, of Kennett and Brad Swims, of Caruthersville, Mo.; four daughters, Doris Whitehead, of Long Island, NY, Deloris Watkins, of Wardell, Sherma Coombs, of Eden Prairie, Minn., and Malissa Raymond, of Panama City, Fla.; two sisters, Almeda, from Michigan and Delcie Carnell; one brother, William Swims, of Deerborn, Mich.; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and a dear friend, Lucy.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 22, at Living Word Tabernacle with Pastor Bill Ivy and Rev. Earl Grigory officiating.

Burial was in the Stanfield Cemetery at Clarkton, Mo.

Bradshaw Funeral Home of Wardell was in charge of arrangements.