Raymond Francis Swanson, of Russell Springs, passed away on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital in Somerset.  He was 81 years of age.

Ray was born November 15, 1940, in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, son of the late Norman and Gladys Phelps Swanson.  He was a veteran of the United States Army.  He met Diana Salerno while a college student in Fort Myers, Florida.  The two were married and spent the next 44 years together. 

Ray and Diana enjoyed their life together, living in different places and starting new business ventures.  They owned several businesses together, from manufacturing airplane parts to cattle farming.  Ray could construct anything he had a blueprint of.  He was a general aviation pilot and a search and recovery scuba diver.  He and Diana learned to make their own wine and beer.  Ray loved his dogs, his horses and cattle.  He loved old cars, especially Corvettes.

Ray was a very personable man; very accommodating and friendly and would give the shirt off his back to someone in need.  He led a full, rich life with no regrets.

He is survived by his wife, Diana; his son, Raymond (and Nicki) Swanson, of Susquehanna, Pennsylvania; his daughter, Debbie (and Howard) Hess, of Marathon, New York; his sister, Patricia Swanson, of Albany, New York; his sister-in-law, Shelia Swanson; and his grandchildren.

Along with his parents, Ray is preceded in death by his brother, Robert Swanson.

Prayer Service will be 1:00 p.m., CST, Saturday, April 30, 2022, at Bernard Funeral Home with Deacon Donnie Coulter officiating.  Interment will follow in St. Bernard’s Cemetery, in Clementsville, of Casey County.  Military Honors will be conducted by the Russell County Honor Guard.

Visitation will be held after 10:00 a.m., CST, until time for services on Saturday.

Ray’s arrangements are entrusted to Bernard Funeral Home.  An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfuneralhome.com