Leonard Frank Swaters, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Richter) Swaters, was born March 9, 1921 in Montrose, Missouri. He departed this life June 15, 2005 at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital in Clinton, Missouri at 84 years of age.
Leonard spent his first three school years at Look Out country school east of Montrose. He continued his education and graduated from St. Mary's School in Montrose. From September 1942 to December 1945 Leonard served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a sergeant in the 863rd engineer aviation battalion serving in the South Pacific region. After serving in the military he returned home to the family farm. On December 27, 1947 he married Doris Elinor Henny at Immaculate Conception Church. They moved to Leonard's grandpa Swaters' farm one mile east of Montrose where they spent their entire married life together. To this union four children were born.
Leonard's life work was farming. He enjoyed every aspect of farm life. As his health failed he pursued his love of nature and woodworking. He enjoyed collecting, identifying and drying wild flowers. He spent many hours in his wood shop. He loved creating and designing his own pieces of wooden art. He especially loved sharing his original pieces with his grandchildren. Over the years he enjoyed butchering, wallpapering, growing geraniums, traveling, gardening and playing pitch with family and friends. Leonard even mastered card playing on the computer.
Mr. Swaters was active in the community by serving on the local MFA Oil board, the Montrose R-14 School board, Montrose Busy Beavers 4-H Club leader. He was a member of Montrose VFW Post #8820. He also served his church community as a life-time member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Leonard was quiet man with a wonderful sense of humor. He enjoyed a good fried chicken dinner and watching westerns on television. One of Leonard's greatest joys was visits from family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife. Also by five sisters, Irene Goth, Annetta Tenholder, Gertrude Swaters, Helen Gengler and Florene Putthoff; four brothers, Bernard, Raymond, Leonard Louis and C.W. "Bill" Swaters. Survivors include his children, Sara of Raytown, Missouri, Roger and wife Annette of Deepwater, Missouri, Karl of Rolla, Missouri, and Mark and wife Donna of Montrose, Missouri; his grandchildren, Rachel and husband Doug Kissinger, John and wife Megan, Jana and husband Brian Hinken, David, Allison, Emily and Jenny; and his great-grandchildren, Annie and Emma Swaters; two sisters-in-law, Magdalene Swaters and Rose Swaters, and many nieces and nephews.