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Ronal L. Swain
Ronal L. Swain, age 71, of Battle Creek, formerly of Union City, closed his eyes in this world and opened them peacefully holding the hand of Jesus on December 10, 2015. Ron was born on January 7, 1944 in Battle Creek to John and Alice (Reed) Swain. He graduated from Union City High School with the class of 1962 and then attended Kellogg Community College. Ron served proudly in the U.S. Navy on the Destroyer, James E. Kyes, often in the waters of Vietnam from 1962-1965, and was promoted to Second Class Petty Officer within his first 18 months. Upon leaving the Navy, Ron began working for the Clark Equipment Company as a semi-truck driver, an instructor, and other management positions for 20 years until the plant closed. Ron then went back to college to become a Correctional Officer. He worked at the Michigan Department of Corrections for over 20 years at several facilities including Lakeland Correctional Facility before his retirement in 2000. Ron then worked for the State and Federal Jurisdictions in Armed Security. Ron married Linda Porter (Nee Porter) on November 26, 1999 and loved to talk to anyone who would listen about her Law School Graduation, keeping him out of trouble and teaching over 20 years at Kellogg Community College. They spent 16 loving years together. Ron enjoyed watching football games and NASCAR with Linda. He also liked to travel, play cards, and have dinner with friends. Ron enjoyed flying small planes, boating, and was excellent at doing landscaping and remodeling his home. He also loved cookouts, and swimming in his pool. A friend once, was a friend for life. Ron was an outstanding sportsman in his younger years, earning 16 varsity letters in his 4 year high school career. He was a volunteer firefighter for 14 years for the Union City Fire Department. Proud of his nickname "Sparky," because he usually was the first man to the fire. Ron enjoyed saving lives, and homes. His friends also called him "Swampy" after he turned their boat over trying to spear carp during the Union City Carp Rodeo. Ron regularly attended his church, the Central Christian Church until his illness. He loved the fellowship of the church friends. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, and the Marshall Moose, and cherished spending quality time with his grandkids. Ron is survived by his wife, Linda Swain; daughter, Tammy (Brant) Davis of Union City; equally loved were his stepson's, Don Crail of Niles, Kevin (Heather) Crail of Battle Creek, and David Crail of New Jersey; and 7 adorable grandchildren that he loved very much. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will take place at the Kempf Family Funeral Homes, Shaw Chapel, 2838 SW Capital Ave., Battle Creek on Sunday December 13, 2015 from 5-7pm with family present to greet friends at that time. A funeral service will take place at the Central Christian Church, 713 Riverside Dr. in Battle Creek on Monday December 14, 2015 at 12pm with Pastor Gordon Pippen officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow the service. Interment will follow the luncheon at Riverside Cemetery in Union City. Memorial Contributions are requested to the Union City Athletic Boosters. Assistance with memorials is available at the Kempf Family Funeral Homes, Shaw Chapel. Please leave the family a personal message and sign the online guest book at www.kempffuneralhome.com.January 7, 1944 - December 10, 201501/07/194412/10/2015
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Ronal L. Swain
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