Lt. Col. (Ret) Ralph T. Swenson, 97, of Haughton, Louisiana ended a long and productive life the morning of July 17, 2015. Born February 6, 1918, he was truly a member of this country's greatest generation living through depression, World War II, the Korean War, the cold war, and retiring from the United States Air Force toward the end of the Viet Nam conflict. He grew up on his father's farm in the Swedish community of Olivia, Texas, and lost his mother before he was old enough to enter school. When the nation called upon young people to enter the service for WW II, he volunteered for the Army Air Corps where he became an instructor for the B-24 bomber. During his life as a military pilot he flew many aircraft, but spent the most time on the B-24, B-32, B-29, B-50 and finally the B-47. His last command was as Squadron Commander for field maintenance at Barksdale AFB for the B-52's and KC-135's that flew missions over Viet Nam. After retirement, he worked civil service and supported his two sons through college, and went on to become a volunteer Bossier Parish Sherriff's Deputy and a volunteer dispatcher at his local fire station in Haughton. He loved gardening, mechanics, and was always a good neighbor, available to help anyone in need. He was a member of the Trinity Presbyterian Church where he sung in the choir and served in various supportive roles. He will be remembered as one who always remained active, looked for things to keep busy, and maintained a life with purpose.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents Servin and Emma Wilson Swenson and step-mother Edna (the kids knew as grandma), sisters Ethel and Gladys, brother Philip, and his wife of 63 years Mary Margaret "Bobbie" McClure Swenson. He leaves behind daughter Mary Frances, sons Ralph Jr. and Marshall, daughter-in-law Barbara and two grandchildren Jenny and Eric.

Ralph was taken back to the town of Bay City, Texas, where services will be held Wednesday, July 22, 2015. Viewing at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City will be at 10:00 a.m., followed by a lunch at the First Presbyterian Church at 11:30. The service will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the church, followed by internment at Olivia Cemetery next to his wife Bobbie. Pallbearers are Gene Klepac, Matthew Klepac, Eric Swenson, Dave Wilson, Chad Wilson and Marshall Swenson.