David Franklin Swayne Sr., 81
David “Dave,” “Chief” Franklin Swayne Sr., 81, of Polson, passed away peacefully on Jan. 20, 2022.
David was born Aug. 30, 1940, in Polson to Donald F. Swayne and Eva (Montgomery) Swayne. He grew up in Polson and graduated from Polson High School in 1959. He enlisted in the Navy at age 18, where his career spanned 30 years achieving the rank of senior chief. He served aboard the USS Chicago, the USS Shenandoah and the USS Saratoga; other tours of duty included Vietnam, Iceland, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and Washington, D.C.
He married Betty Joyce Currin in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1962. They had two children, Krista, born in Jacksonville, Florida, and Franklin, born in Puerto Rico.
After retiring from the Navy, David worked in the Office of the Secretary of State in Olympia, Washington, retiring in 2005. At his 45th high school reunion, he met a former classmate, Jane Farnum Laraby. They married in October 2005 and made their home on the East Shore of Flathead Lake. They enjoyed “homesteading” challenges, golfing and travel, which annually included a month in Hawaii. David was an enthusiastic Seattle Mariner, Seahawk and Gonzaga basketball fan and delighted in the love and activities of his grandkids.
David is survived by his wife, Jane; his daughter, Krista Jennings (Glenn); his son, Franklin Swayne (Susan); sisters, Sharron Pritchett, Dianna Garrison, Judy Everett and Lynette Marshall; brother, Russell Ingraham; bonus son, Doug Laraby (Kirsten); bonus daughter, Jennifer Jacobson (Brian); three grandsons, Ethan, Jared and Holt; and bonus grandchildren, Alec, Evan and Ashtyn Laraby, Haley and Sarah Jacobson.
He was preceded in death by brother, Kenneth Ingraham.
Memorials may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Polson, 110 17th Ave. West, Polson, MT 59860.
A visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, at The Lake Funeral Home. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 4, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Polson, with burial to follow at Lakeview Cemetery.
Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.
Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.