DORSEY LEON “IKE” SWEARINGEN
(1925-2008)

Dorsey Leon “Ike” Swearingen, 82, of Bible Grove died on January 8, 2008 at his home.

He was born the son of Elza Ellery and Mary Lula (Shultz) Swearingen on September 24, 1925 in Scotland County, MO, on the family farm near Greensburg.

Ike attended Frogge school near Bible Grove.  He served in the United States Army during World War II, receiving a Victory Medal.

He married the former Edna Irene Spray on July 4, 1945 in Memphis at a ceremony presided by Judge B.O. Reeves.   Ray Spray and Ruby (Frederick) Wright served as best man and maid of honor. 

Irene preceded him in death on August 22, 2001.

Ike and Irene loved to square dance.   He enjoyed playing kick ball with his grandchildren.  In his spare time, he worked in his garden and hunted.  For several years, he helped cook the kettle of beans for the Bible Grove Historical Preservation Days.   Ike enjoyed going to sales and visiting his friends and neighbors.

He was a founding member of the Bar-B-Saddle Club and the Bible Grove Historical Preservation Society.

He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; three brothers – Frank, Jesse, and Larry; two sisters, Mildred and Arleta, and a grandson.

He is survived by his son, Dorsey Allen Swearingen of Bible Grove; daughters, Shirley Satterly of Rolla, MO, and Janet Swearingen of Downing; a brother, Henry and wife Esther Swearingen of Springfield, IL; a sister, Norma Kigar of Bible Grove; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law,  Marridee and John Frederick of Bible Grove; grandchildren, Dustin Swearingen, Nicole Annis, Allison, Royce, and Eric Bowen, Chad Dial, Melisa Mathews, and Turk Satterly; 10 great grandchildren and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services are scheduled for 1 p.m., Sunday, January 13, at the Gerth Funeral Home in Memphis with David Barton, pastor of the Downing Baptist Church, officiating.  Burial will be in the Greensburg Cemetery.

Visitation is from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m., Saturday, January 13 at the Gerth Funeral Home in Memphis with the family present from 6-8 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to the Bible Grove Historical Preservation Society and can be left at or mailed to: and can be left at or mailed to the Gerth Funeral Service, 115 S. Main St., Memphis, MO 63555.

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