Gilbert R. Swoboda Jr.

Gilbert R. Swoboda, Jr., affectionately known as “Rags” by his family and friends, of Cairo, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, September 9, 2018 at the Chateau Girardeau in Cape Girardeau, Missouri at the age of 98. Born June 1, 1920, “Rags” lived his entire life on 18th Street in Cairo. He was the son of Gilbert and Alice Swoboda and was self-employed in his family business, Gilbert R. Swoboda and Company, Inc. until his retirement. He was inducted into the United States Army on September 22, 1941 and served in the infantry and as a specialty heavy machine gunner. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. “Rags” fought in the Aleutian Islands, Eastern Mandates, South Philippines, and the Ryukus Islands (Okinawa). He was awarded four Bronze Stars as well as the Good Conduct Medal. He was wounded in the head in a battle at Leyte and was awarded the Purple Heart on February 20, 1945. He also earned the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Campaign Ribbon, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon and the American Defense Service Ribbon as well as four overseas bars. He was released from service to his country on September 18, 1945 to come home to his family business. “Rags” also followed in his father’s footsteps as a Director for First American State Bank where he served in that capacity for 40 years. In 2017, he was honored by the Cairo Elks Club as the longest living member of that organization with a membership of 72 years. He was also a member of the VFW of Mounds, Illinois. “Rags” was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Gussella Walston, Alice Johnson, and Marie McRoy. Also preceding him in death are his wife of many years, Dimples (Patterson) Swoboda as well as his son, Gilbert R. (Gibby) Swoboda, III. Surviving “Rags” in death are one daughter, Nancy (Edward) Doss of Mounds, three grandchildren, Burton (Angie) Doss of Madison, Mississippi, Stephen R. Swoboda and Gregory R. Swoboda of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, as well as two great-grandchildren, Jackson Moran Doss and Harper Maryn Doss of Madison, Mississippi. He is also survived by one nephew, Lewis F. McRoy, Jr. of Marion, Illinois as well as two nieces, Patricia (Stan) Johnson of Indianola, Mississippi and Laurie Johnson of Vicksburg, Mississippi as well as one daughter-in-law Linda (Bucher) Swoboda. “Rags” will also always be remembered by his dear friends, Brooks High and Tom Hoffmann. Visitation will be from 10-1 Wednesday, Sept. 12, at Mighty Rivers Regional Worship Center in Cairo. Elk’s service will be at 12:45pm. Funeral services will be at 1:00 Wednesday at the church with the pastor, Rev. Larry Potts officiating. Interment will follow at Spencer Heights Cemetery at Mounds with military honors by area veterans and the Illinois National Guard. Memorials may be made to the church or Cairo Public Library. Crain Funeral Home of Cairo is in charge of arrangements.

Gilbert R. Swoboda Jr.

June 1, 1920 - September 9, 2018