June Swan

Velma “June” Swan (1932-2024) will be lovingly remembered by family and friends as being a Godly woman, having a servant’s heart, being a great organizer, tireless worker, and always putting her family first. She passed on October 10th, 2024, surrounded by family in Springfield, MO where she was living with her daughter.

After the death of her mother when she was three years old, June was raised by her loving grandparents on their farm which created memories that stayed with her even when others faded away. While living with her grandparents who raised her in a faith-filled home, June accepted Jesus Christ as her savior at age twelve. Her faith continued to grow, and it was a guiding and important part of her life. June joined Winnwood Baptist Church in 1968 and was active in the church until moving away in 2018. She served in many capacities including teaching Sunday School and VBS, singing in the choir, singing in nursing homes, going on mission trips, sewing children’s clothes for foreign missions, driving the bus for youth trips, and serving in the roles of treasurer and librarian. She was also active in the community and volunteered with Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, and at local non-profit thrift stores, which she continued to do until a few weeks before her death.

When June was nineteen years old, she went on a blind date and met the love of her life, Jerry Swan. They were married in 1951 shortly before he went to serve his country in the Korean war. Upon his return they settled into domestic life in Kansas City, buying a home and starting a family. June worked in the accounting and clerical fields with companies such as Farmland Industries, Commerce Bank, and her last and favorite employer, Park College in Parkville, Missouri. After raising their four children and retiring, they bought an RV and began traveling. They both enjoyed this activity immensely and June continued this on her own after Jerry passed on in 1995.

As well as traveling and volunteering, she enjoyed going to her children and grandchildren’s concerts and sporting events, playing softball on a team with her daughter and daughter-in-law, gardening, sewing, walking, crafting and making toys for the grandchildren with Jerry in his wood-working shop, reading, and working jigsaw puzzles.

June is survived by her children: Jeff Swan (Nancy), Jim Swan (Jane), Jeanette Tedeschi (Steve), and Jason Swan (Tabetha); grandsons: Jared Swan, Joshua Swan, and Anthony Tedeschi; brother Rollie Baldwin, and sister Lillie Ann Flora. She was predeceased by her husband of forty-four years, Jerry Swan.

At June’s request a private family service will be held. Memorial donations in June’s name may be sent to Winnwood Baptist Church, 4513 N. Jackson Ave, Kansas City, MO 64117 or Missouri Baptist Children’s Home, 11300 St. Charles Rock Road, Bridgeton, MO 63044