Francis Lester Swanerbury

FRANCIS L. SWANERBURY STAUNTON, VA Francis Lester Swanerbury, 75, husband of Shari Swanerbury, of 7 North Lynnhaven Drive, died Sunday, January 13, 2013, at his residence. He was born November 11, 1937, in Port Jervis, NY, a son of the late Lester and Anna Predmore (Snooke) Swanerbury. He was a veteran of the U. S. Navy. He served as an officer and volunteer with the Port Jervis Rescue Squad and was a volunteer with Middlebrook Fire Department. He was also a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He spent an enormous amount of time volunteering for various youth groups. In addition to his wife, family members include two daughters, Clarissa Swanerbury and Rhianna Swanerbury, both of Staunton; a half-brother, Edgar Swanerbury and his wife, Kris, of Iva, South Carolina; three half-sisters, Kathy Swanerbury of New York, Gayle Balmos and husband, Bob, of Anderson, South Carolina, and Lesley Grammas and husband, Mike, of New York; other siblings in Florida; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Madeline Saintmyer. A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, January 17, 2013, in Linden Heights Baptist Church by the Rev. Luke Smith. Burial will follow in Thornrose Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be John Nuckolls, Ed Swanerbury, Bob Balmos, Kenny Kinzel, Chantry Combs, and Tim Hartless. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, January 16, 2013, in the Henry Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Staunton Augusta Rescue Sqaud, 1601 North Coalter Street, Staunton, VA 24401.