Obituary of Col. Ellery E. Swank

Swank, Lt. Col. Ellery E., Ret., 85 of Hollidaysburg, and formerly of Altoona and Ebensburg, died May 12, 2005 at Altoona Hospital. Born January 9, 1920 in Altoona, son of the late Martin and Ada (Hall) Swank. Last surviving member of his immediate family, he is preceded in death by wife, the former Violet Fox; son-in-law Douglas Rabanales, and brothers & sisters: June, Don, Flora, Mildred and Sheldon. Survived by daughters: Dawn, wife of Dr. Peter Dodson, Philadelphia; Lynda Rabanales, Ebensburg; and grandsons: Lance Swank, Boston, Massachucetts, Christopher Dodson, Philadelphia; and grandaughter, Jessica Dodson of Australia. Member of Holy Name Roman Catholic Church, Ebensburg. A career man in the United States Air Force, his military career included both World War II and the Korean War, where he served as a Pilot, Intelligence Officer and OSI investigator. He retired in 1969 as a Lt. Colonel specializing in Russian intellegence. He was the recipient of the United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, with 1 Bronze Star, Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, Air Force Commodation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Armed Forces Longevity Security Award, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. Former member of the VFW and American Legion. He had been an avid golfer and enjoyed working in his yard and garden. Friends will be received from 6-9 p.m., Friday at the Askew-Houser Funeral Homes, Inc., Ebensburg, where a vigil prayer service will be held Friday evening. Funeral Mass at 9:00 a.m., Saturday at Holy Name Church, the Rev. Msgr. Arnold L. Gaus, celebrant.