Cecil Jay Swatzell

Cecil Jay Swatzell, 91, of St. George, Kansas passed away Sunday, July 1, 2012 at the Select Specialty Hospital of Topeka-St. Francis Hospital. Cecil was born in Shamrock, Oklahoma the son of William Robert Swatzell and Maude Belle (Hollenbeck) Swatzell. He attended school at the South Branch School in Mayes County, Oklahoma. Following school he enlisted in the US Army Air Corp, serving in the battles of Okinawa. He married Dorothy June Eller on September 11, 1948 in Claremore, Oklahoma. She survives of the home. Cecil and Dorothy moved to St. George in 1969 when Cecil began working for Bayer Construction of Manhattan as a heavy equipment operator. Cecil became known in the business as one of the best crane operators in the area. He worked at Bayer Construction from 1969 thru 1983 when he retired. He was a member of the American Legion Post of Manhattan. He had many close friends and enjoyed visiting with them almost every day over a cup of coffee. He also enjoyed traveling, hunting, his horse and mule, collecting gadgets and buying, selling and trading for cars. His survivors also include two daughters: Lynda Phillips (Ron) of St. George, KS, Debra Speirs (Lewis) of Alvin, TX; one son, Bill Swatzell of St. George, KS; one brother, Kenneth Swatzell of Oologah, OK; a sister, Aretta Manis of Topeka, KS; 8 grandchildren: Christie, Shellie, Shalissa, Paul, Eugene, Steven, Johnathan, and Weston; numerous great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Robert Swatzell (1995), 2 brothers: George, and Basil; and 2 sisters: Betty, and Mable. A celebration of Cecil’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 7, 2012 at Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego. Burial will follow in the St. George Cemetery with military honors. The family will greet friends during a visitation prior to the service beginning at 9:00 a.m. Saturday. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, and may be left in care of Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego, P.O. Box 48, 66547.