Donald B. Sword

DONALD B. SWORD, 96, of Batavia, formerly of Woodridge, Woodstock, Chicago, and Ohio, died Monday, January 16, 2023, at Delnor Medical Hospital in Geneva.

He was born on December 12, 1926, in Waverly, Ohio to Ola and Alice (Goodman) Sword. He served in the Pacific Theater during WWII (1945 – 1946), raising to the rank of Military Police Sergeant in the U.S. Army.  After returning home from the war, he obtained a private pilot’s license and became a lifelong aviation enthusiast.  He moved to Chicago and attended Technical Trade School to start his career as an electronics technician in Radio and TV sales and service.  During Trade School, he met the love of his life Anita Koth.  They were married in Chicago on April 21, 1951 and began their 71 year marriage. Don advanced his career in TV/Radio to become the Owner and Proprietor of Crater Radio in Evanston, IL.

Don and Anita retired to Woodstock, IL in 1986 where they became devout and active members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Harvard. He was an active member of the Woodstock VFW Post 5040, where he occupied many leadership positions, served on the Funeral Honor Guard, and was the Parade Marshall in Woodstock's Veterans Day Parade.  Don continued his passion for flight and shared it with generations of future aviators.  He will be loved and missed by his family, friends, and community.

He is survived by his wife Anita; son Jeffrey and his wife Debbie Sword, Son-In-Law Rodney Skocz, Four grandchildren (Nichole (Steve) Gruenes, John (Kristine) Skocz, Erik (Mandy) Sword, and Steven (Jhena) Sword); 9 Great Grandchildren (Robert, Bill, Ryan, Cora, Molly, Spencer, Kayleigh, Madison, & Patrick); his brother Paul Sword; and sister Lorene Fulton.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughters Linda P. (nee Sword) Skocz and Donna C. Sword; and his sister Geneva Blanton.

The visitation will be Monday, January 30, 2023, at St. Paul Lutheran Church 1601 Garfield Rd, Harvard, starting at 9 am until the funeral service begins at 11 am at the church. Burial will be at McHenry County Memorial Park in Woodstock with military funeral honors provided by the U.S. Army and the Woodstock VFW Honor Guard.

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