Howard A. Swagger

Howard A. Swagger, 86, of Adams and formerly of Elgin, died Sept. 24 at Walla Walla General Hospital.

A memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. Monday Sept. 29 at the Milton Seventh-day Adventist Church. Pastor Roger Johnson of the Umapine Seventh-day Adventist Church will officiate.

Howard was born July 22, 1922, to Ney Lloyd Swagger and Lela Evelyn (Howell) Swagger in Portland. He lived there until his October 1942 induction in the U.S. Army, where he served in the 56th Armored Infantry 12th Armored Division. Howard was the last remaining Hell Cat. He received many awards and medals for his service.

After returning home, he worked at The Oregonian in Portland and received his electrical engineering license and photography diploma. He then worked for Boise Cascade in La Grande and Elgin until his health forced him and his family to move to Milton-Freewater, where he retired. He became an active member of the Elks Lodge and remained very involved in his community and church.

Survivors include his wife, Dolores Swagger of Adams; five children, Daniel Swagger of Beaverton, Dick Shaffer of Elgin, Jenny Reid of Athena, Elizabeth Rankin of Silverton and Patty Swagger of Death Valley, Calif.; stepchildren; sister, Rosemary Wilkinson of Texas; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by four siblings.

Memorial contributions may be made to Dolores Swagger in care of Munselle-Rhodes Funeral Home, 902 S. Main St., Milton-Freewater 97862.

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