John Richard “Dick” Swanson, Sr. of Blakeslee, died Thursday, December 7, 2017 in Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Twp.

Born in Charlottesville, VA, he was the son of the late John T. and Mary Ada Birkhead Swanson and owned and operated Dick's Auto Parts and Repair in Blakeslee. He enjoyed drag racing and riding in his red 57 Chevy.

He was preceded in death, in addition to his parents, by his wife, Betty M. Swanson; brothers, David Swanson, Charles Swanson; sisters, Mae Britton and Maxine Drumheller.

Dick is survived by his children, Carol Merritt, Danville, VA; Pamela Sue Blankenship, Appomattox, VA; Catherine Adina Swanson, Blakeslee; Sharon Shive and her husband, Kenneth, White Haven; Donna Swanson, Blakeslee; John “Ricky” Swanson, Blakeslee; 11 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren; sisters, Gayle Kidd, Lansford, PA; Diane Hawk, VA; Janet Toney, Short Pump, VA and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held on Monday, December 11, 2017, at 6:30 pm at the Lehman Family Funeral Service, Inc. 403 Berwick St. White Haven with Pastor Michelle Kaufman officiating.

Visitation will be Monday from 4 to 7 pm at the funeral home.

Interment will be in Fluvanna Baptist Church Cemetery, 7454 W. River Rd. Scottsville, VA