Ronald Swillum

Ronald Swillum, 78, of California, Missouri, passed away Saturday, March 14, 2020, at University Hospital in Columbia, Mo. He was born on May 11, 1941, in California, Missouri to John P. and Margaret A. (Hess) Swillum. Ron graduated from California High School in 1960. In 1963, at the Annunciation Catholic Church, he was united in marriage to Betty Rose Gerlach who preceded him in death on January 27, 2017. For most of his life, Ron was a Truck Driver for Scherff Truck Lines, SKX, Empire Gas, and currently, he was a bus driver at Latham R-5 and California R-1 schools. Ron also worked at the Capital Mall in maintenance and security. He loved gardening, mowing and watching his grandchildren's events. He was an avid fan of Spaghetti Westerns. Ron is survived by four sons, John Swillum (Jean) of Little Rock, Ark., James Swillum (Candy) of Grandview, Mo., Joseph Swillum (Rachel) of California, Mo. and Jack Swillum (Becci) of Russellville, Mo.; 13 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one sister, Dorothy Flippin; four nieces and one nephew. Visitation will be held Friday, March 20, 2020, from 5-7 p.m. at Windmill Ridge Funeral Service. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2020, at 10 a.m. at Annunciation Catholic Church with Rev. Alexander Gabriel officiating. Private family inurnment will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Annunciation Catholic Cemetery or Latham R-5 School. Online messages to the family may be contributed at www.windmillridgefuneralservice.com.