Donald Swenson

Donald Swenson, age 86, passed away on November 11, 2022.

Don was born on November 18, 1935 in Stoughton, Wisconsin to the late Wilbur and Inez Swenson.  He was raised with his older sister Shirley on a farm.  Don served in the Army from 1958 to 1960 with much of that time in Korea. Don moved to Huntsville, Alabama to join Boeing, Inc. as an engineer and met and married Barbara “Gail” Orr in 1968.  They transferred with the company to Seattle, Washington where their daughters, Michelle and Renee were born.  The family again transferred to Dallas, Texas and finally returned to Huntsville for Don to work with the space program until he retired.

Don and Gail relocated to Columbia, TN in 2000 to be closer to their daughters.  He was a loving husband and faithful provider for 54 years.

Don was talented in electrical work, restoring furniture and fixing broken things to give them new life.  This hobby became his second career as an antiques dealer with several booths in Huntsville, AL and Franklin, TN.  Don was the ultimate handyman and used his abilities to serve his family and customers.  Don was quick with a joke, and his witty personality brightened many lives. He taught his daughters to be responsible, self- sufficient, work hard, and love well.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Gail Swenson; daughters, Michelle (Jason) Jordan, Renee (Mike) Keeler; grandchildren, Lawson Evans, Kayla Jordan, Audrey Jordan, Riley Jordan; bonus grandchild, Andrea Davis, and sister, Shirley (Oscar) Linnerud.

The family would like to thank Elizabeth Joyce, a neighbor, caregiver, and friend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, https://www.alz.org or the Graymere Church of Christ Missions/Evangelism Ministry.