Donald "Don" Louis Swarthout, 85, of Vienna, was born July 18, 1939, in Rolla, Missouri, son of Charley and Ethel May (Holman) Swarthout, passed away on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veteran's Hospital in Columbia.

He was married on August 24, 1979, in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, to Ms. Wanda Karen Trueblood.

On April 24, 1958, in St. Louis, Missouri, Don entered active federal service in the United States Army and served until March 5, 1964, when he was honorably discharged at Fort Hamilton, New York, with the rank of Spec 4 (E4). While stationed in Germany, Don witnessed the building of the Berlin Wall, often recounting, "I was there when the wall went up and I got to watch it come down". A man of excellent character, Don loved his country and serving in the United States Army. His Honorable Discharge is a testament to his selfless and faithful service.

Don was a master carpenter and draftsman. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, nature birdwatching, reading history books, and especially spending time with his family. He was a lifetime member of the VFW, where he served as commander while in North Carolina. He was also a member of the Vienna Lions Club and helped build the Duffin Ballfield in Vienna. Additionally, he was a member of the Radar United Methodist Church, Vienna. Don also helped design two memorial monuments while in North Carolina, one for the VFW Post and the other for the fallen soldiers of the Korean War that is outside the courthouse in Elizabeth City.

Those left to celebrate Don's life include: his loving wife of 45 years, Wanda, of the home near Vienna; three sons, Nick Swarthout (Jennie) of Jefferson City, Jason Swarthout (Brenda) of California, and Donnie Jones (Betsy) of North Carolina; two daughters, Michelle Murcia (Yuri) of Ohio and Lynn Price (Pete) of Florida; eight grandchildren, Brendan Swarthout, Jackson Swarthout, Emily Swarthout, Hannah Swarthout, Jessica Jones, Tyler Price, Meghan Price, and Ashlyn Price; six great-grandchildren; one brother, Dave Swarthout (Kay), of Vienna; one sister, Alice Holmes, of Argyle; nephews; nieces; and other relatives and friends.

Don was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Ashley Jones; his parents, Charley (d. November 6, 1967) and Ethel (d. March 19, 1996); three brothers, Charles Swarthout (d. June 26, 1993), Ned Thomas "Tom" Swarthout (d. November 29, 2011), and Harry Delano Swarthout (d. February 2, 2020); one sister, Amy "Jean" Asher (d. December 23, 2020); two brothers-in-law, Ronald "Bud" Holmes (d. May 29, 2011) and William "Bill" Hayes Asher (d. April 10, 2019); one sister-in-law, Dolores "Dee" Swarthout (d. October 14, 2021); and two nephews, Charles "Chuck" Swarthout Jr. (d. January 12, 1997) and Timothy "Tim" Robert Asher (d. July 2, 2010).

Visitation for Don will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 2, 2024, in the Rader United Methodist Church, 34130 Highway 63, Vienna, MO 65582, with his memorial service following at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Lynn Facemeyer officiating, under the direction of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home.

Inurnment with full military honors for Mr. Don Swarthout will be in the Radar Cemetery.

Immediately following the graveside service, all in attendance are invited to the United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 1102 Highway 63, Vienna, MO 65582, for a meal.

Memorial contributions in memory of Don Swarthout are suggested by the family to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516, with envelopes available at the funeral home or in care of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 250, Vienna, MO 65582.

Online condolences may be shared with the family of Mr. Don Swarthout at www.birminghammartinfuneralhomes.com