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Ray Swanson - Litchfield IL Passes


It is with much sadness we inform you our friend and fellow Massey Collector Ray Swanson of Litchfield, Illinois passed away on Friday, December 02, 2016 after a long, gallant battle with kidney failure. 
 
Ray was one of the founding members of the Massey Collectors Association who helped mold the organization into what it is today.  He served on the first national MCA Board of Directors and was instrumental in the formation of the Massey Collectors of Illinois chapter. 
 
He loved his Masseys, but he loved the Massey collectors more. He attended about every event offered up to Massey friends until his health slowed him down.  If there were a circle of collectors sitting around under a shade tree or in the corner of a building, Ray would be in the middle of the circle “holding court”!
 
He loved to share stories of his experiences working as a sales representative for Massey Ferguson and he had plenty of stories to share!!
 
My first experience with Ray was during one of the early MCA Spring Meetings held in Peoria, Illinois.  I had suggested the MCA By-Laws probably could use some attention. Ray suggested to President Dale Lawrence that I would make a good Chairman for the By-Laws revision.  Before I could turn around, it was a done deal!  However, the most impressive part was the fact within two weeks both of these gentleman came to Danville, Indiana sat around our kitchen table and we collectively hammered out what would be the basis of our current MCA by-laws.  I thought I had an impossible task ahead of me but they took the time and trouble to come to me, made me feel welcome, encouraged, guided and supported me through the total effort.  I never once, felt like I was out there by myself.  Ray had not only the trust in me, but the total success of the organization in his mind.
 
Ray will be missed by all who knew him but he left a legacy that will never be forgotten.  Rest in peace, my friend. You fought a valiant battle; you deserve the comfort you now have.
 
 
 
RAY ALBERT SWANSON   83  Litchfield, IL
 
Ray Albert Swanson, 83, of Litchfield, died at 5:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2, 2016, at HSHS St. John's Hospital Hospice in Springfield, Illinois. 
 
Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield, Illinois with the Rev. Glenn Kreider of Greenville officiating.  Cremation will follow the service. Inurnment will be in Grace Lutheran Cemetery in Ophiem on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 2 p.m.  Visitation will be held Monday from 11 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.  Moose Rites will be accorded at 1 p.m. 
 
Mr. Swanson was born on June 17, 1933, in New Windsor, a son of Patrick Raynord and Frances Ulricha (Joneson) Swanson.  He graduated from Alwood High School with the Class of 1951.  Over the years, he worked as a sales representative for Massey Ferguson & Deutz Tractor Companies. He also had worked for Sievers Equipment Company in Hamel.
 
He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Ophiem, Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #1634 in Litchfield and served as trustee for South Litchfield Township for 19 years.  He enjoyed collecting Massey Harris antique tractors and had traveled to several shows. 
 
He married Eunice Oneida (Parker) Campbell on Nov. 17, 1972, in Memphis, TN, and she survives.  He is also survived by four sons, Mike (Nancy) Swanson of Orion, Pat (Joyce) Swanson of Holden, MO, Kelly (Marlena) Swanson of Litchfield and Randall (Peggy) Campbell of Whiteville, TN; three daughters, Lisa (Steve) White of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Janice Cryer of Litchfield and Shannon (Brad) Schroeder of Litchfield; a brother,  Leo (Darlene) Swanson, Spring Hill, FL; three sisters, Betty Skantz of Moline, Joan Lambin of Galva and Patty Klunt of New Windsor; 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
 
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Michael Campbell.
 
The family suggests memorials to Litchfield Food Pantry or Litchfield Moose Scholarship Fund.  To light a candle or sign the online guestbook, visit www.plummerfuneralservices.com.