John Henry Swan's Obituary
John Henry Swan, Jr., 93, passed away peacefully at his home on May 23, 2026. He was born on May 18, 1933, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Annie (Guyton) Swan and John Henry Swan Sr., the youngest of seven children. John lived a long and meaningful life, witnessing remarkable changes in the world, which he shared through vivid story telling. A lover of music—especially jazz—he found joy in its rhythm and soul. In his free time, he also enjoyed movies and history, often captivating his children and their friends with vivid stories of his childhood and reflections on how much life had changed over the years. John graduated from Sumner High School and went on to attend Southern Illinois University in Carbondale for two years before being drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served his country during the Korean War. In March 1957, John married the love of his life, Rochelle Stevenson. Their enduring union of 69 years was blessed with six children and a lifetime of cherished memories. As a young man, John attended Antioch Baptist Church in North St. Louis, where he professed his faith in Christ—a foundation that remained an important part of his life. John was a devoted provider who worked tirelessly to support his growing family. He dedicated more than 40 years of service as an aircraft production planner with McDonnell Douglas and Boeing. Over the years, he also wore many additional hats, including working as a traveling salesman. Known for his vibrant personality and gift for connecting with others, John later worked as a bartender and mixologist at several of St. Louis’s premier country clubs, including his final position at Bellerive, where his warmth and charm left a lasting impression. John was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Jack (“Guyton”), Melvin (“Bubble”), Jenny (“Sutta”), Mattie (“Tuggie”), Kent, and Burnell, as well as four beloved nieces and nephews. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Rochelle; his children and their spouses, Brian Cory (Andrea), Randy (Patricia), Todd (Cynthia), Dewan, Dana, and Kia (Juan); 14 grandchildren— Brianna, Aaliyah, Christopher, Jon, Kim, Rachel, Kathrine, Sara, Lauren, Jessica, Francesca, Malik, Gabrielle, and Grace—and eight great-grandchildren, including Aiyanna, Dean, Marvin, Camren, Analiya, Handsome, Caleb, and Autumn, along with a host of extended family and dear friends. John was blessed with a long life, a large loving family, and he will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him
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