Raymond Francis Swanson, 81, of Russell Springs, KY passed away on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital in Somerset. He was born November 15, 1940 in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Norman and Gladys Phelps Swanson.  

Raymond was a veteran of the United States Army. He met Diana Salerno while a college student in Fort Myers, Florida. The two were married and spent the next 44 years together. Ray and Diana enjoyed their life together, living in different places and starting new business ventures. They owned several businesses together, from manufacturing airplane parts to cattle farming. Ray could construct anything he had a blueprint of. He was a general aviation pilot and a search and recovery scuba diver. He and Diana learned to make their own wine and beer. Ray loved his dogs, his horses and cattle. He loved old cars, especially Corvettes. Ray was a very personable man; very accommodating and friendly and would give the shirt off his back to someone in need. He led a full, rich life with no regrets.

SURVIVORS:

His wife: Diana Swanson

1 son: Raymond (Nicki) Swanson of Susquehanna, Pennsylvania

1 daughter: Debbie (Howard) Hess of Marathon, New York

1 sister: Patricia Swanson of Albany, New York

Sister-in-law: Shelia Swanson

His grandchildren

Along with his parents, Ray is preceded in death by his brother, Robert Swanson.

Prayer Service: Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 1:00pmCT at Bernard Funeral Home with Deacon Coulter officiating

Interment: St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Clementsville (Casey County) with military honors conducted by the Russell County Honor Guard

Visitation: After 10:00amCT on Saturday

Ray’s arrangements are entrusted to Bernard Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfuneralhome.com.