Gary Edward Swisloski was born August 17, 1955 to Henry and Janet (Blair) Swisloski in Utica, New York. He departed this life- a fighter to the end- at his home in Mtn. Grove, MO on September 7 ^th 2011 at 11:16 a.m. after a short battle with cancer.

He grew up on a farm and from a young age loved the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing and hunting- especially with his "bubbas" the past few years. He was raised in the Catholic faith and had recently re-dedicated his life accepting Jesus as his savior.

He joined the Army where he earned a National Defense Medal and received his honorable discharge in 1972.

Gary became a long haul truck driver and did this for 20 years traveling all over the U.S. He also owned a taxicab in Springfield Mo. and over the past 10 years enjoyed karaoke and D.J work.

He married Barbara Hurd and to this 30 year union one son was born- Gorden A. Swisloski. After his marriage ended he met his special friend and companion Emma Cheney whom was holding his hand when he took his last breath.

Though he lost touch with many family members through the years- he spoke of childhood memories often. He was especially fond of his memories of his mother Janet.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Henry; a sister, Stella Dunn and stepdaughter, Sharon Cooley. He is survived by his son, Gorden and wife, Sara Swisloski and their children Alex, Eddie, Laney and Baylea; his mother, Janet Howe of Winston Salem NC,; sister, Diane Wood of Hamlet NC, sister, Linda Pugh of Randlemann NC, Barbara Hurd of Niangua; step-son, Jack Schaffer of Idaho and children, Terry James and Elizabeth Ashley and special friend Emma Cheney of Mtn. Grove Mo. as well as many extended family and friends. He will be missed.

",,,,My hat don't hang on the same nail to long, My ears can't stand the same old song, Cause I've got ramblin fever in my blood, the kind that can't be measured by degrees, ramblin fever, there ain't no kind of cure for my disease… " – Merle Haggard