John C. Swain

Williamston, Michigan

“Airborne All The Way”

John C. Swain, 67, passed away on June 27, 2016 at his home in Williamston after a long post stroke battle. He was affectionately known as “Little John”, “Wild Man” and “Mongo”. He was born on September 21, 1948, in Quincy, Michigan to John E. and Helen E. (Potter) Swain. He attended Milan High and Webberville High School where he excelled in athletics. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1968 where he proudly and bravely fought in Vietnam as part of the elite Army Airborne Rangers from 1969-1970. He was part of the 75th Long Range Patrol, 82nd and 173rd Airborne regiments. He married his high school sweetheart, Marsha Lott, on June 18, 1969. After returning from Vietnam, John accepted a job at General Motors where he was employed 29 ¾ years before he suffered a massive stroke at age 50. John and Marsha were blessed with 3 daughters. John was a committed Red Cross blood donor and also was a member of fast pitch softball teams. In his spare time, John enjoyed fishing, fixing up his International pickup truck, bowling, watching the Tigers, driving his Oldsmobile 442 convertible and spending time at his cottage in Coldwater.

He is survived by his dedicated and loyal wife of 47 years, Marsha, daughters, Janeen (Jason) Wagner, Jennifer (Kristopher) Lycos and Jammie (Phillip) Gribble; grandsons, Kayson, Kolson, Karson Lycos, Zackary Wagner, and Sawyer Gribble; granddaughters, Kyra, Kylee and Zoey Wagner, Jenna Lycos and Caroline Gribble; sister, Shila Boes; Ranger brother, George (Linda) Martinez; brothers, Jason and Jordan Swain; step-mother, Cherie Swain; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, John E. Swain and mother Helen Swain. Special thanks to Michelle Motz for the tender care she provided to John.

Visitation will be held Thursday, June 30, 2016 from 6 – 8 pm and Friday, July 1 at 11:00 am followed by a Memorial Service at noon at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 205 E. Middle St., Williamston.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Webberville School Athletic Department, 309 E. Grand River, Webberville, MI 48892 or St. Mary School, 220 N. Cedar St., Williamston, MI 48895.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes Williamston Chapel.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.grwilliamston.com