1936 - 2024
George Edward Swallows, 88, of Blairsville, IL passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at his home, surrounded by family. George was born on June 7, 1936 to William Edward Swallows & Grace Florence (Gibbs) Swallows, and was the youngest child of 22 children. On June 13, 1953 he married Jean (Farris) Swallows, who preceded him in death on January 22, 2024.
George began working at the Stelle slaughterhouse in Hamilton County and then began working at the Stelle Creamery in McLeansboro and also worked at Duff’s IGA in McLeansboro. When he had moved to California, he began working as a meat cutter at some large grocery store chains, and retired from his career as a meat cutter and meat department manager. He was a former member of the Congregational Christian Church in Blairsville, IL.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and woodworking. He and his wife Jean enjoyed sewing and crafting together and traveling to craft shows. They also enjoyed traveling together in their motorhome and camping.
George is survived by a daughter Debra Jean Lowman & husband Ray of Blairsville, a grandson Jason Lowman of Weston, WI and his children: Sydney Jean Lowman and Addison Kay Lowman; a grandson Brian Lowman & wife Heather of Hoodville, IL and their daughter: Ezabella MayeJean Lowman; a daughter in law Cindy Swallows of Franklin, TN; and her children: Melanie Renee Trattner & husband Glenn and their children Abigail Ruby Trattner, and Lila Rose Trattner – all of Franklin, TN; and Joshua Michael Swallows & wife Stephanie of Franklin, TN and their children: Caleb Daniel Swallows and Faryn Ann Swallows; a daughter Velda Renee Ridosh & husband Mickey of Simi Valley, CA; a daughter Ritha Fern Singer & husband Joseph of Fayetteville, NC; a grandson Logan Ryan Singer & wife Stormy of Fayetteville, NC and their children: Jonah Remy Singer, Noah Wade Singer, and Luke Warren Singer; a granddaughter Taylor Nicole Singer of New York, and a granddaughter Morgan Ashley Singer of Fayetteville, NC; 2 brothers-in-law: Dee Farris of Peoria, IL and Lonnie Farris & wife Clara of Blairsville, 3 sisters-in-law: Nelma Lee Allen of Blairsville, Gracie Spaulding of McLeansboro, and Kay Lowry of Benton, IL; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents William & Grace Swallows, his wife Jean Swallows, a son Larry Farren Swallows, 12 sisters, and 9 brothers.
Funeral services for George Swallows will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro, with Pastor Jacob Gray officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 16, 2024 at Gholson Funeral Home. Entombment will follow the funeral service at Hopewell Cemetery in McLeansboro, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will be accepted at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro.
Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gholsonfuneralhome.com
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