Warren Bolten Swift (Wah), 82 passed away on July 27, 2017 in Benton, KY. Strong,
feisty father and grandpa, he was born on October 8, 1934 in Passaic, NJ. Dad was a
lifelong entrepreneur; learning early that if he wanted something, he had to work
hard to get it. He graduated high school 2 years early and worked the summers on the
Jersey Shore selling ice cream for Carnival Bar Ice Cream so he could attend
college. He attended Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA and received his degree in
economics in 1957. Warren made many lifelong friends while at Dickinson; mostly
through his fraternity Phi Delta Theta. For years we have heard stories of his
antics with his fraternity brothers and his brother John. He met his wife Patricia
while selling ice cream on the Jersey shore; We are sure she couldn’t resist his
rugged good looks that clearly run in his family. They were wed in 1958.
Warren worked many years in sales in the Midwest where he raised his 4 children with
Patricia. His children learned the value of hard work, self reliance and
independence. We also learned how to portage through the woods with a boat and
motor, how to hook a worm for fishing and that our mother always caught the bigger
fish. Some things we were not supposed to repeat. Never at a loss for an opinion,
Dad found himself challenged by working for others. In 1972 he started Cushioneer, a
foam packaging corporation, with partner Don Schmid. In 1994, Dad sold Cushioneer to
his son, Andrew, who continues to operate the business to this day.
In 1981, he wed Dolores Hansford with whom he shared his interest in travel and
bridge. Dad retired in 1994 and spent his retirement doing what he loved most –
fishing and playing bridge. He lived on Lake Vermillion, MN, Hot Springs AR and
eventually settled in Benton, KY on Kentucky Lake. An award winning bridge player in
college, Warren was a renowned bridge player in his later years as well. He enjoyed
playing with his bridge club and attended many travel tournaments. Dad loved music,
his dogs and a good political debate. Dad’s health had been declining over the last
few years and he was able to stay in his home because of his close family friend
Dennis Dalton and caregiver MaryJo Tubbs. He was also blessed to have many helpful,
caring neighbors as well. Because of this, Dad was able to remain at his home which
was his biggest wish.
Warren is survived by wife Dolores, daughter Laura Nelson (Steve, Ft. Myers, FL);
son Andrew (Elburn, IL); daughter Margie (Plainfield, IL); daughter Sue Swift-Miller
(Scott, Capulin, CO); grandchildren Brandon (Regina) and Brittany Nelson, Matthew
and Joseph Swift, and Madison and Gus Miller; brother John Swift (Nancy),
sister-in-law Margaret Low (Robert), step daughter Gena Paulding, and many nieces
and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents John and Helene Swift, first
wife Patricia Swift, and step son Curt Handegan.
A memorial visitation will be held at Collier Funeral Home, 211 W 5th St. Benton, KY
from 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Sunday August 6. An open house luncheon will be held in
Warren’s honor after his memorial visitation from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m at 360 Halbrook
Lane, Benton, KY. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations to be made to
Starfish Animal Rescue (www.starfishanimalrescue.com; P.O. Box 1355 Plainfield IL
60544); daughter Margie’s animal rescue organization or a charity of your choice.
Cards may be sent to the Swift Family; 3873 Dunnster Court, Fort Myers, FL 33916.
Warren’s family would like to especially thank family friend Dennis Dalton, the
staff at Fresenius Kidney Care in Paducah for their compassionate care of Dad,
caregiver MaryJo Tubbs, and for all of his friends and neighbors who helped in his
care . We are very grateful to each of you for all you did to allow Dad to stay in
his home.