SWANSON, Charles T. (Tom)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Sunday, March 13, 2016, page 9a Charles T. (Tom) Swanson U.S. Veteran unknown - March 8, 2016 Charles T. (Tom) Swanson passed away peacefully, at age 76, on March 8, 2016. Tom was the son of Victor and Ann Swanson, born and raised in Prescott, Arizona. Tom was an accomplished young athlete. In 1951 he was a member of the first Prescott Little League team to be crowned Little League State Champions. Tom was also the starting quarterback and a golf letterman for the Prescott Badgers (Class of 1957). Tom was an avid golfer and member of Smoki. Tom attended the University of Arizona where he pledged Phi Gamma Delta and entered the Army ROTC program, graduating as a distinguished military graduate. His military career in the Army included a tour in Germany and two tours in Vietnam. He received many honors including two Bronze Stars for heroism, the Meritorious Service Medal and an Army Commendation Medal. After leaving the military, Tom relocated his family to his hometown of Prescott, Arizona. Tom is survived by his three children, Susan Grady of Australia, Charles Tom Swanson Jr. and wife Carmen Swanson of Cave Creek, Arizona and Patrick Swanson and wife Florence Swanson of Denver, Colorado; his brother Bob Swanson and wife Pam Swanson, of Sun Lakes, Arizona; six grandchildren, Daniel, Aaron, Deanna, Ashley, Garrett and Morgan; and many extended loving family members. Funeral services will be at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, 2016, at Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary, 8555 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale, Arizona, followed by a burial service at 2 p.m. with Military Honors at National Memorial Cemetery. A reception will follow at Messinger Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation, in Tom’s name, to Packages From Home (www.packagesfromhome.org) or a charity of your own choosing. Arrangements entrusted to Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary, Scottsdale, Arizona. Information provided by survivors.