Bob graduated from Galesburg High School in 1939. He married Lois Cook on November 2, 1941 in Galesburg. Surviving is his loving wife, Lois; two sons, Stephen Russell (and Pamela) Swanson of Pleasanton, CA. and Thomas Robert (and Lynn) Swanson of Roseville, CA., & four grandchildren. He was a United States Army veteran, serving in the Corps of Engineers out of Ft. Leonard Wood. After the war, he worked at Brown Motor Company as a mechanic. Bob operated service stations at Prairie and North, Kellogg and Ferris, and Chambers and Main Streets, retiring in 1983.