Billy Dean Swisher

PEKIN ~ Billy Dean "Bill" Swisher, 81, of 1420 North 9th Street, passed away at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010 at his residence.Born Oct. 19, 1928 in Griggsville to Walter and Velma (Wheeler) Swisher, he married Ruby E. Maxey. He later married Mary Katherine Tennell on Sept. 11, 1965 in Pekin. She died Feb. 5, 1991 in Peoria. He also was preceded in death by his parents; one brother and two sisters.Surviving are three daughters, Sandra (Larry) Phillips, Katherine (Tab) Godby, both of Pekin and Janice "Jan" Swisher of Springfield, MO; one son, Steven (Jana) Swisher of Pekin; ten grandchildren, Jerry Bennett of Bridgeport, CT, Jayme Morris, Stephan Morris, Lindsey Morris, all of Springfield, MO, Kelsey Phillips, Kirsten Phillips, Shawna Swisher, Chase Phillips, Kendra Swisher and Leah Godby, all of Pekin; five great-grandchildren, Avery, Tai, Sophia, Carly and Connor, three brothers, Larry (Marguerite) Swisher of Topeka, Don Swisher of Calif. and Jim Swisher of Quincy and one sister, Margie Hunter of Bartonville.A United States Army veteran of the Korean War, Bill was a member of William Schaefer American Legion Post 44 in Pekin.Bill was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 34 in Peoria, where he worked out of for more than 20 years, retiring in 1989. He previously co-owned and operated the Windsor Hotel and Alley Inn, both in Pekin, with his brother Larry for more than 25 years.Bill enjoyed fishing and was a longtime fan of the Chicago Cubs. He formerly enjoyed hunting.His visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, October 10, 2010at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. A private graveside service will be held Monday, October 11, 2010at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin, with the Rev. Gary L. Ford of Grace United Methodist Church officiating. A flag folding ceremony will be provided by the United States Army. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4234 North Knoxville Avenue, Peoria, IL 61614 or to any charity supporting veterans.