James E. “Sonny” Swingle – Benton, IL

BENTON — James E. “Sonny” Swingle, 76, of Benton, IL, passed away Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at his home.

He was born in Benton on January 9, 1940, the son of James Edward and Mary Ellen (Roberts) Swingle.

He married Phyllis Easter Swingle on April 2, 1960, and she preceded him in death on Dec. 9, 2012.

Mr. Swingle was a member of the First Baptist Church of West City, IL. He loved gardening, fishing and woodworking.

Mr. Swingle is survived by his daughter, Monica Combs and husband Robert, of Benton; granddaughters Ashley Amber Hosick and husband Joshua, of Logan, IL, Brittany Todich and husband Matthew, of Benton and Rachel Combs, of Benton; sisters Rose Baudison, of Benton, Gloria Bruce, of Centralia, IL and Roberta Isaacs, of Carmi, IL; one brother, Benny Swingle, of Herrin, IL; great-grandchildren Hailey, Makayla and Noah Hosick and Zachary, Bailee, Sammy Jo and Rosalie Todich.

Mr. Swingle was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a sister, Alice and a brother, Tommy.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 17, 2016 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home, in Benton, with the Rev. Bert Mitchell officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home after 12 noon Sunday until the time of the service. Burial will be at Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery, in Benton.

Morton & Johnston Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.