Harold Joe Swinford

Harold Joe Swinford, 74, of Du Quoin, passed away at 9:00 p.m. Thursday, March 26, 2015 at the St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, Mo.

Harold Joe had worked as a supervisor for GTE. He was a U.S. Navy veteran. He loved fishing, boating, gardening, traveling and sitting on his patio.

He was born July 7, 1940 at Golconda, Ill., the son of Howard and Rosetta (Musgrave) Swinford.

He married Linda Rich on Sept. 11, 1982 at Carbondale, Ill. and she survives.

He is survived by his wife of Du Quoin, two children - Kelly J. Swinford of Camas, Wash. and Shari L. George and husband Layford of Bells, Tenn., one granddaughter - Samantha L. George of Bells, Tenn., one sister - Shirley Bettis of Jacksonville, Ill., mother-in-law - Delores Rich of Du Quoin, many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters - Betty Smith, Martha Jefferies, and Liz Cory.

Graveside services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 2, 2015 at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery at Du Quoin with Danny Kirk officiating.

Those attending the service are asked to go directly to the cemetery.

Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion and the United States Navy.

Private family visitation was held.

Burial will be in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery at Du Quoin.

In lieu of flowers, friends may make memorials to American Liver Foundation, American Cancer Society, Marshall Browning Hospital Tree of Life, or donor's choice and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.