Our loving father, grandfather and great grandfather, Gerald Merle Swander, (Jerry), passed away peacefully at his home on December 11, 2015. He was born December 22, 1930, in Auburn, Indiana, to Wilbur Estes Swander and Gertrude Adeline Maurer. After graduating from St. Joe High School in Indiana, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his assignment to the Military Police Squadron, he rode the Union Pacific Railroad trains from Omaha to Ogden. It was at the Ogden Union Station snack bar where he met Zana Barnard. They eventually married on June 10, 1952, in Ogden and were later sealed as a family in the Swiss Temple on February 15, 1969. During the 26 years that he served in the Air Force, he received several assignments. He and his family had the opportunity to see many parts of the world. While stationed in Germany, he joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a faithful and dedicated member, serving in many positions. He retired from Tinker Air Force Base in 1975 and moved his family to Ogden, Utah. He loved family, God and his country. His hobbies included fishing, gardening, watching game shows and eating at buffets. Jerry is survived by his five children: Alaina (Evan) Gibson, North Ogden; Kimberly (Wes) Johnstun, North Ogden; Kelvin (Julie) Swander, Taylor; Zaric Zeke (Monica) Swander, Uintah; and Darla (Andy) Hartmann, Fruit Heights; 16 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Velvet Cope, Riverdale; and Shirley Hungerford, Ogden; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his eternal companion, Zana; his parents and siblings: Winifred Peters, Wilbur (Bo) Swander, Florine Strong, June Swander, Marcel Swander, Beverly Parker and Garnet Dirr. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 18, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Coldwater Stake Center, 770 East 2100 North, North Ogden. A Viewing will be held Thursday, December 17, 2015 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Leavitts Mortuary, 836 36th Street, Ogden, Utah and on Friday from 9:45 10:45 a.m. at the church. Interment will be at Leavitts Aultorest Memorial Park, 836 36th Street, Ogden, Utah. The family would like to express our deep appreciation to all of the medical staff, friends and neighbors for the care and kindness shown to our father in his times of need. In lieu of flowers, hug your loved ones and donate to your favorite charity. Please send condolences to the family at: www.leavittsmortuary.com Visitation Information Date: Thursday, December 17, 2015 Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Leavitts Mortuary Address: 836 36th Street, , Ogden, UT, 84403 801-394-5556 | Map Service Information Date: Friday, December 18, 2015 Time: 11:00 am - Coldwater Stake Center, 770 East 2100 North, North Ogden Friends may visit with the family prior to services from 9:45 10:45 a.m. at the church. Cemetery Information Date: Friday, December 18, 2015 Leavitt's Aultorest Memorial Park Address: 836 - 36th St., , Ogden, UT, 84403 | Map