Council Grove – Arlan Ray Swanson, 84, of Council Grove, Kansas passed away Thursday, July 19, 2018, at Morris County Hospital.
He was born May 27, 1934 to Albert F. and Letha Pearle (Schmidt) Swanson, in Ellsworth, Kansas. Arlan attended school in Lorraine and Mitchell, KS, graduating from Lyons High School in 1952. After graduating, he drove a truck for the Branson Truck Line, out of Lyons. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1957, serving in France for two years. He married Sarahmae Bottorff on May 3, 1959. After the service, he drove for Carlson Truck Line, before entering into the insurance business in Lyons for Farm Bureau Insurance. He was transferred to Council Grove in 1962, and worked for 27 years. He opened an office for American Family Insurance, and managed it for 15 years, before retiring. Since retirement, he worked for an insurance inspection company and numerous other jobs.
Arlan was a member of the Council Grove/Dunlap United Methodist Church and the Council Grove Kiwanis Club, and served numerous offices in these organizations. He was also a member of the East Central Kansas Economic Board (ECKAN) and served as President 2 terms, American Legion, and Antique Power Association of Emporia.
In their earlier years, Arlan and Sarahmae enjoyed square dancing, boating and traveling. Arlan also enjoyed restoring antique tractors and entering them in parades. He loved spending time with his family.
Arlan was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife, Sarahmae, of the home; son, Bruce Swanson and wife Juanita, of Burlingame; daughter Janell Keltner and husband Kevin, of Kansas City; grandsons, Cody and Caleb Keltner; step-grandchildren, Gregory, Eugene, Kera(Hicks) and Matthew Geurink (spouses); 14 great-step grandchildren; and 2 great-great step grandchildren. Also surviving, his sister RoAnne Brell and husband Dr. William Brell, and several nieces and nephews. Arlan will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
A visitation for family and friends will be held at 10:00 A.M., Monday, July 23, 2018, at Council Grove/Dunlap United Methodist Church. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 A.M. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Council Grove/Dunlap United Methodist Church or Council Grove Senior Center. They may be sent in care of Zeiner Funeral Home, PO Box 273, Council Grove, KS 66846.
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