Marshall Lee Swander

Marshall Lee Swander, born to Everett and Lola Swander on August 11, 1944, in Kingman, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at 8:09 A.M. at Rock Creek, Ottawa, Kansas, under the care of Harbor Hospice. Marshall was preceded in death by his parents and sister Merlynn Buntemeyer as well as many, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Marshall, raised in Cunningham, Kansas, graduating from Cunningham High School, was proud of his rural heritage and always referred to the family farm as home. Marshall’s most adored hobbies included coyote hunting as well as raising greyhounds and watching them race. Marshall was ever curious on the condition of the crops back home, the amount of rainfall, market prices, and “have you heard from anybody?”.

Marshall was married to Connie Rose and later divorced. During their union, Marshall and Connie raised two onery and fun-loving children, Shannon Lea and Dustin Barry. Shannon and Dustin were Marshall’s pride and joy. He adored them both and many would say was quietly amused by the orneriness of both kids throughout their childhoods and especially proud of the adults they became. Marshall loved to joke and tease, especially his nephews. He would chuckle to himself about all the chaos the kids were causing around the county.

Daughter. Shannon and husband, Tate McDaniel, survive and reside in Bella Vista, Arkansas. Son, Dustin Swander and companion, Erika Jo Julian, survive and reside in Osage City, Kansas. Not only was Marshall blessed with a grandson Colton McDaniel (Alexandra), granddaughter Shaylea (McDaniel) Smith (Brandon), bonus grandchildren Elissa Jo, Riece Avril Julian, and Isaiah Larson, but he was quite boastful about his three great-grandchildren Braxton, Ainslee Smith, and Griffin McDaniel. Marshall’s fourth great grandson is expected this summer and will honor Papa Marshall’s memory sharing his middle name, Lee.

Those who remember Marshall well, also remember that his time in the United States Army was a defining time in his life. The courage, strength, and valor he displayed as a soldier in the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1968 cost him more than any of us could fathom. Though prideful, Marshall was humble about his contributions to the war and cared endlessly for his brothers and sisters in arms, many of whom have preceded him in death. Marshall was injured in combat. He was honorably discharged and recognized for his role with the receipt of the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Army Commendation Medal. These were thoughtfully preserved following his discharge and Marshall loved to stand and admire this display and reflect on his time in service.

Marshall spent the later years of his life in Osage and Franklin Counties near his son, Dustin. He enjoyed playing cards with friends, watching sports, and hearing about how his friends and family had been doing lately.

Marshall’s family will honor his memory with a service at Cunningham Christian Church on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. with lunch to follow. The family will receive guests the evening prior from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. also at the church. In accordance with Marshall’s wishes, his ashes will be buried with full honors at Fort Riley Cemetery at 1:00 P.M. on April 7, 2023.

Marshall’s loving heart and selflessness are fondly remembered by all those closest to him. In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests that any memorials be made in his honor to Cunningham High School Scholarship Fund c/o Dengel & So Mortuary, 235 S, Hickory, Street, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.

The family wishes to extend the deepest gratitude to Vintage Park at Ottawa, Advent Health in Ottawa and Shawnee Mission, and Harbor Hospice. Your compassion and consultation through the past months is greatly appreciated.