Robert (Bob) Swanson, of Slidell, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2014, due to complications from cancer.
He was 87 years old.
He was born in a log cabin in Cushing, WI on his family’s farm. He served honorably as an officer in the U.S. Army from July 1944 to April 1953, which included WWII in the Pacific Theatre.
He earned a Civil Engineer BS in 1952 from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Then went on to work for the Exxon oil company as a petroleum engineer where he later retired in 1987. He was a decorated 50-plus year member of the Elks serving as Exalted Ruler of the New Orleans Westbank lodge and a long term member of the Slidell lodge.
He also served as a D.D.G.E.R. and President of the Louisiana State Elks. He initiated the La Elks Fund a philanthropic fund of over a $1M, was a Trustee of the Southern Eye Bank and was the 1999 President of the EXXON Annuitant’s Club of Metropolitan New Orleans.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Lois Marcella Carlson Swanson; parents, Elmer and Clara Mariette Swanson of Cushing, WI; brother, Curtis Swanson; and sister, Marion Courteau.
He is survived by his sister, Ginger Bergstrom; children, Steven R. Swanson, Roger L. Swanson (Bonnie), Susan M. Wright, Karen L. Sterrett (John); grandchildren, James Wright (Monique), Christopher Swanson, Matthew Swanson, Andrew Swanson, William Sterrett; and his great-grand-daughter, Reily Swanson.
His burial will be held at a date to be determined in Wisconsin at the church where he and his wife married.
Local services were held on Dec. 29 at Honaker Funeral Home, 1751 Gause Blvd. West, Slidell.
In lieu of flowers, donate to your local VFW, Elks, or charities supporting veterans.
Visit www.honakerforestlawn.com to sign guestbook.
Arrangements by Honaker Funeral Home, Inc., Slidell.
Dr. Mary Raymer, R.N. PhD., NEA-BC, of Slidell, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014.
She was 65 years old.
She was the wife of Doug Raymer for 41 years; mother of Rebecca Vellier (Brian), Jennifer Garrison (Shawn), and Daniel Raymer (Vicky); daughter of the late Lyle and Margaret Edstrom; and sister of Peggy Harrison.
She is also survived by six grandchildren, Kendall Fisher, Hannah Fisher, Owen Fisher, Christopher Cliburn, Ryan Garrison, and Tyler Garrison.
She was a native of Gordon, Nebraska, and a resident of Slidell for the past 13 years.
Raymer worked for the Veterans Affairs Medical Center for 38 years before retirement. She was a VA Nurse Emeritus and a member of NOVA, American Nurses Association and NARFE. Mary was a Professor of Nursing for Capella and Pheonix University.
She was a member of the St. Lukes Ladies Club, St. Lukes Ranger Rosary, The Slidell Newcomers Group, Beta Sigma Phi and Red Hats.
Raymer was a faithful active member of Saint Lukes Catholic Church. She was a regular church attender, and a Eucharstic Minister.
A memorial Mass was held at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, 910 Crossgates Blvd, Slidell, on Dec. 26.
Visit www.honakerforestlawn.com to sign guestbook.
Arrangements by Honaker Funeral Home, Inc., Slidell.
Juanita Saunders Gornor passed away on Monday, Dec. 22, 2014.
She was 69 years old.
She is survived by John H. Gornor, husband of nearly 30 years; daughters, DJuana Q. Beason, and Susan B. Davis; brothers, Charles Saunders and Tommy Saunders; sisters, Frances Beason and Gail Howell; and step-children, Herbert J. Gornor, Doris J. Gornor, Edwin M. Gornor Sr., Donna L. Gornor, and James F. Gornor.
Gornor is also survived by grandchildren, James A. Yarborough IV and Ashley L. Yarborough; and step-grandchildren, Ali N. Gornor.
She was a member of First Baptist Church in Pearl River for many years.
Gornor is preceded in death by her parents, Delmar and Martha Saunders; and sister, Pat Carlton.
Funeral services were held on Dec. 27 at First Baptist Church in Pearl?River.
Dr. Tobey Pitman officiated.
In lieu of flowers, make donations to First Baptist Church in Pearl River.
Gerald Lawrence Provins passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014.
He was 64 years old.
He is survived by his son, Joshua Michael Provins; daughter, Jolene Rose Provins; brother, Michael Alexander Provins; and sister, Linda Ann Jones.
Provins is also survived by one grandchild, Alanna Rose Provins.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Majorie and Lawrence Provins Jr.
He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Mr. Provins was a member at First Pentecostal Church in Slidell.
Family and friends are invited to attend the services at First Pentecostal Church, 388 Robert Blvd., Slidell, with nightime visitation on Friday, Jan. 2 starting at 6 p.m.
Funeral services will be on Saturday, Jan. 3 at 11 a.m.
Interment will follow at Hickory Memorial Gardens Cemetery located in Pearl River.
Alma Wright-Valentine, of San Diego, Calif., passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014, at Slidell Memorial Hospital.
She was 55 years old.
She was a native of Slidell.
Her survivors include husband, Rueben Valentine of San Diego, Calif.; daughter, Porscha N. Wright, San Diego, Calif.; sons, Jerome A. Wright, San Diego, Calif., and Kelton L. Smith, Slidell; 10 grandchildren; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis and Alberta Smith of Slidell; sisters, Brenda Smith, San Diego, Calif. and Gail Cooper, Slidell; and brothers, Albert Smith, Marvin Smith, Michael Smith, all of Slidell.
Funeral service were held on Dec. 26 in Glad Tidings Seventh-Day Adventist.
Burial will be in the Field Bautlz Cemetery.
Funeral services were under the direction of Baylous Funeral Home, Picayune, Ms.