Donald Matthew Swann, 63, of Lanett, AL, passed away suddenly, Friday June 10, 2022 in Lincoln, IL. He was born November 21, 1958 in Freeport, IL, the son of LeRoy and Jackie (Chapman) Swann. He married his “Honey Bun,” Patricia “Patty” Beardsley on April 2, 1983. Donald was profoundly deaf his entire life and was a huge advocate for deaf awareness. He was a multicultural minister for the United Pentecostal Church International, where he was the first deaf missionary for the UPCI in the United States. He began a deaf ministry in the Philippines and led bible studies around the world. Donald was passionate about barbering, photography and was an accomplished inventor. A few of his personality traits included: helping everyone, easygoing, humorous and sometimes competitive. Donald left a profound footprint across the earth.
Donald is loved and missed by his wife of 39 years, Patty Swann; children, Timothy (Daisy) Swann, Anthony “Derek” (Keyairra) Swann and Adrienne (Joshua) Dempsey; grandchildren, Isla Rose Swann, Ethan Swann, Matthew Dempsey, Abigail Dempsey and Josiah Dempsey; step-father, John Christison; siblings, Teresa (Rob), Richard, Johnny, Amy (Eric); sister-in-law, Char; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins; he was also very loved by his Beardsley family. His mother Jackie, father LeRoy, and brother John preceded him in death.
A visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, IL 61115. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at Silver Hill Pentecostal Church, 4401 20th St, Rockford, IL 61109. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Deaf Evangelism of UPCI.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com for the Swann family.
