Donald Swift

Donald Swift, 75, long-time Raytown, MO., resident died September 26, 2005 at St. Joseph Medical Center. Visitation will be 10 a.m. Saturday, October 1, at Heartland Cremation & Burial Society, 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd., Raytown, MO. Services will follow at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or American Lung Association. Don was born April 20, 1930 in Paducah, KY, the son of Beckham Swift and his wife Ola. He met and married his wife of 55 years, November 26, 1950. Don worked for Nabisco 37 years as a salesman. He was a quiet, dedicated and gentle man who lived to enjoy his wife and family. His gifted hands crafted many woodworking and home addition projects, sharing his skills with others. Early mornings working in his garden or setting out on a local fishing trip with a friend was his idea of a relaxing day. Don is survived by his wife; Carmaline Teri Swift; daughter Diane Walton VanDerTuuk and her husband Terry VanDerTuuk, of Leawood; son, Russ Swift of Overland Park. Brothers Ken Swift, and his wife Jan, Bill Swift and his wife Nita; and sister Kay Sawyer, Raytown, MO; sisters-in-law and husbands, Frances and Joseph Tornabene, Pauline and Bill Hart, brother-inlaw Hank and Bev Teri. A special thanks to the wonderful Pulmonary Rehab Center at St. Joseph Health Center. The loving and caring staff of women provided ongoing motivation and support, along with all the wonderful friends that were made.