Allen "Grandpa" Sweely
Age 91, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his son, Larry and granddaughter, Sarah, on Sunday evening, August 21, 2011. Allen was born October 6, 1919 in Tracy, Minnesota. Allen married the love of his life, Lena Mae Ferguson, on November 1, 1945 in Halls, Tennessee. They had a double wedding with their best friends, Leonard Sloan and Rita Pruitt. Shortly after their marriage, Allen and Lena Mae moved to Roseburg, Oregon.
Allen worked as Head Carpenter at Permaneer and Millwright at Georgia Pacific and worked in real estate sales. Allen thoroughly enjoyed hunting, fishing, working in his shop and working on his hand made knives. He also enjoyed going to McGovern Metals daily to visit the "gang", sorting and bailing metals.
Allen is survived by his son, Larry Sweely, Roseburg, Oregon; Brother, Louis Sweely and Dale Sweely, both of Salem, Oregon; grandchildren, Sarah Sweely, Roseburg, Oregon; Tom Sweely, Eugene, Oregon; Steven Sweely, Creswell, Oregon; Lisa Sweely of Springfield, Oregon; and great grandson, Andrew Soper, Springfield, Oregon. Allen was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Lena Mae, on November 1, 2010; Father, Louie Sweely; Mother, Nora Sweely; Sisters, Darlene Foster, Mae Davis and Lois Rodriguez.
Allen loved dearly his departed wife, Lena Mae, his son, grandchildren, great grandson and all of his many very dear friends very much. They were all the love and joy of his life.
Allen was a member of the Westside Christian Church for many years and attended regular Sunday services until recently when he could no longer do so due to health reasons.
A "Celebration of Life" will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at Wilson's Chapel of the Roses. Pastor Charlie Jordan will officiate Allen's "Celebration of Life" in his memory. Viewing will be on Friday, September 2, 2011 from Noon to 5:00 p.m. The family encourages everyone to dress casually and comfortable and join the family sharing your memories at Allen's Celebration of Life.
The family wishes to extend our heartfelt "Thank You" to the MedCom Paramedics who responded so quickly when called to our home that Sunday evening when he was taken so quickly from all of us. The family expresses their gratitude for the love and support from the congregation of the Westside Christian Church during the loss of Lena Mae on November 1, 2010 and Allen's passing on Sunday, August 21. 2011. The strength and support from the Church is greatly appreciated by the family.
Allen will be laid to rest next to his loving wife, Lena Mae, within the Roseburg Memorial Gardens.