Blaine Swan, 91, formerly of Cape Girardeau, died Monday, March 1, 2010, at Ramsey Creek Assisted Living Facility in Scott City.

He was born May 7, 1918, in Cape Girardeau, to John Edward and Margaret Louise Ruebel Swan. He was married to Lucille Menz Dec. 9, 1943, in Scott City.

Blaine lived in the Cape Girardeau area all his life. He became part of the Vandeven family business when he began working for them at the age of 7, later training to become a meat cutter. He worked there until the business closed. After Vandeven's he was a meat cutter 18 years at Fischer's Market, retiring in 1987.

He served his country by serving in the Army where he fought in Ardennes, Central Europe, Northern France, the Rhineland and Normandy. While in service Swan was awarded the EAME Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. He was very patriotic and proud to be a veteran of World War II. He deeply appreciated the freedom of living in the United States.

Later in life Blaine finally fulfilled his desire to enter the Catholic Church, where he joyfully was received at the age of 90.

Blaine and Lucille have been residing in the Ramsey Creek Assisted Living Center for the last year and a half where they were lovingly cared for by their staff and friends.

He had been a member of American Legion Post 63 and VFW Post 3838 of Cape Girardeau more than 60 years.

He is survived by Lucille, his wife of 66 years; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marjorie and Gene Littleton of Cape Girardeau; nieces Carole (Steve, deceased) Arnzen of Cape Girardeau, Sharon (Larry) Freese of Jackson and their families; a sister-in-law, Billie Bohannon of Sikeston, Mo., and her family; and many other nieces and nephews.

Blaine had a deep affection and friendship for childhood friends, Kenny Haas, Lucille Christoff (deceased) and Lucille's family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and three sisters.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. to service time Thursday at St. Mary's Cathedral.

Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary's, with the Rev. Tom Kiefer officiating. Burial will be in Fairmount Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Mary's Building on Faith Fund, 615 William St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63703, or Missouri Veterans Home, 2400 Memorial Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.