Kenneth Swanson

Former Marion music teacher Kenneth Swanson, 89, died June 6 at an assisted living center in Springfield, Missouri.

Born Feb. 23, 1928, in Michigan City, Indiana, to Charles and Loretta Swanson, he received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Wichita State University and played in a Marine Corps band before he and Loyette Hollar, also teaching music in Marion, were married May 24, 1953.

The couple moved to Springfield, where he taught music in public schools as well as at Drury, Evangel, and Missouri State Universities. He played in the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, sang in church choirs, and wrote music methods books still being sold.

Brothers Bill and Charles and sister Dorothy preceded him in death.

Survivors include his widow, daughter Kris Swanson, sons Eric and Karl Swanson, five grandchildren, and three great- granddaughters

Memorials have been established with the orchestra, 411 N. Sherman Parkway, Springfield, MO 65802 and with St. John’s Chapel United Church of Christ, 4344 S. Fremont St., Springfield, MO 65804.

Services were June 15.