William Swears

William "Bill" B. Swears, age 77, passed away on August 10, 2014. He was born on September 21, 1936 in Morley, Michigan, the son of Clifford and Edna (Waters) Swears. He married Beth Schrauben in Belding, Michigan on June 23, 1977, and she survives him.

Also surviving are their children, Jeffrey (Deb) Swears of Midland, MI; and Dana Swears of Sacramento, CA; 3 grandchildren, Jordan (Sarah) Swears, Greg (Jamie) Swears, Kate (Eric) Winer; and 1 great granddaughter, Brooklyn Swears. Other survivors include his sister-in-law, Susan Christopher; nephew, Zachary Swears; and in-laws, Dennis (Gayla) Phillips, Brian Phillips and Gregg Smyth, and Steve Phillips. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brother, James Swears and first wife Sandra Casselberry.

Bill taught and coached at St. Johns High School beginning in 1958. He was the Principal of St. Johns High School for 17 years until he retired in 1994 and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He graduated from Big Rapids High School and Ferris Institute (now FSU) with a B.S. in Business Education. He earned his Masters of Education at MSU. He was an avid golfer at the Emerald and he will be missed by his Monday morning golfing buddies.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 18, 2014 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Michael Williams presiding. The family will receive friends Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with a Vigil Service being prayed at 7 p.m. at Osgood Funeral Home, 104 E. Cass St., St. Johns, MI 48879. Contributions may be made in Bill's name to St. Joseph Educational Trust Fund, St. Johns Schools Foundation of Excellence, or Sparrow Clinton Hospice.

To learn more about Bill and view his Life Story film, please visit his personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/101340 . The family is being served by the Osgood Funeral Homes.