Gordon Glen Swanson, age 89, of Dickens, Nebraska passed away on October 14, 2019 at Plum Creek Health Care in Lexington, Nebraska.
Gordon was born on September 10, 1930 in North Platte, Nebraska to Otto Glen and Corinne (Lloyd) Swanson.
He married Darlene Stearns on July 12, 1952. The two lived in California where he was in the Marine Corp until his discharge. They then returned to live on the family ranch near Dickens, Nebraska.
Gordon and his father fed yearling steers for several years and then added a cow/calf operation in the late 1970's. He worked with his cattle and horses until his health prevented him to continue in his early 80's. He and his family put up their own hay for their animals, broke/trained their own horses, and loved being together and working together. He encouraged his children to participate in 4-H and rodeo and to work hard and be respectful of others. Other jobs and activities include many years at the North Platte Sale Barn, Caretaker of the Dickens Cemetery, and driving semi hauling hay, cattle and fuel. He has worked at the Wallace Bar and helped friends with their harvest. He was a lifetime member of the Wallace Roping Club and Dickens/Wallace Creek Crew, an honorary member of the Wallace Roping Club since 1946, a long time member of the Wallace American Legion, held several positions on the Dickens School Board and the Dickens Cemetery Board, was a member of the RCA, and was secretary/treasurer of the Wallace Rural Fire District.
His love and knowledge of horses guided him to write a short book, "How to Train a Horse." He has written and continued to pen poems about his family and his life. Gordon is known for his humor and his generosity. He has always been self-sufficient and taught his children this art of being independent.
Survivors include his children, Lynn (Kathy) Swanson of Wallce, Nebraska, Cindy Swanson of North Platte, Nebraska, and Crystal (Rod Wilson) West of Wallace, Nebraska; grandchildren Amy Swanson of Lamars, Iowa, Lisa (Nick) Brand of Ytan, Nebraska, Adam Swanson and Daniel Swanson both of Wallace, Nebraska, Kodi (Dan) Homan, Erin (Wyatt) Arensdorf both of North Platte, NEbraska, Robert (Audra) West of Blackhawk, South Dakota, Michael (LeAnn) West of Wallace, Nebraska, and Katie (Max) Isenbart of North Platte, Nebraska; 16 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Gayle White of Dickens, Nebraska.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Darlene; and a son-in-law, Robert West.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Rural Medical Hospice or the Wallace Fire Department.
Graveside services with military honors will be at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, October 18, 2019 at the Dickens Cemetery. The family requests no open-toed shoes at the cemetery due to cactus, and neckties are optional. Lunch will follow at the American Legion Hall in Wallace, Nebraska. VIsitation will be from noon - 8:00 p.m. on Thursday with the family receiving friends from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home, 421 West 4th Street in North Platte, which is in charge of arrangements.