Mr. William E. Swan, Sr., age 87 of Ludington, passed away Friday, February 10, 2017 at his home. Bill was born on November 12, 1929 in Ludington and is the son of Lawrence and Loree (Myers) Swan and was a lifetime area resident. He graduated from Ludington High School in 1948 and had attended college. Bill was a certified welder employed at Dow Chemical until his retirement in 1986 where his co-workers knew him as "No Neck Swan". He was also employed for 50 plus years with the former Dorrell Funeral Home and later assisted the King Funeral Home of Hart and Ludington. Bill married the former Barbara Smith in Ludington on May 14, 1955 and she preceded him in death on February 9, 1985. He then married Martha Sue Horne in December of 1989 and she also preceded him in death on April 17, 1999. Bill was quite the baker, being known for his apple pies. Being patriotic and loving his country, Bill served his country in the US Army during the Korean War and was very active with many military organizations in the community. Most notable was his role of the Chaplain with the American Legion Post 76 Honor Guard. He considered it an honor to perform those duties with his fellow Legionnaires and veterans in the community. All totaled, he served in that capacity for over 35 years. Bill was a life member of the American Legion Post 76 and the VFW Post 6842, both of Ludington. Bill was also the Chaplain of the Amvets Post 82 and was a member of the 40 & 8. He also was the secretary-treasurer of the Mason County Allied Veterans Council and was a representative on the American Legion Michigan Veterans Trust Fund. He had also driven autos for Urka Auto and Healy Chrysler-Dodge. Bill also worked at Gregory's Flowers of Ludington. He was a fifty gallon blood donor with the American Red Cross and had actively assisted where needed and also with disaster relief committees. Bill retired as a Captain serving with the Ludington Police Department Reserve Officers. He was a founding member of the DBA (Dear Brothers Association). Boy Scouting was also an important part of Bill's life. He helped to establish Troop 203 and was a member of Troop 1 and 190. He was a vigil member of the Order of the Arrow and personally received the Silver Beaver Award on October 4, 1985, from President Gerald R. Ford. He even assisted Barb with her Girl Scouts. Bill was very devoted to his faith and Emanuel Lutheran Church. He faithfully arrived at church each Sunday to see that doors were opened and temperature was just right. He even folded the weekly bulletins for church as well and was also a usher captain for many years. Bill was a member of the Danish Brotherhood and also a devoted fan of the Ludington Orioles and NASCAR. Bill is survived by his children, Will (Cindy) Swan of Ludington, James Swan of Ludington, Dorothy "Dottie" (Todd) Eastway of Ludington, Roger (Heather) Swan of Tracy, CA; eight grandchildren, Sadie Swan, Ezra (Pam) Swan, Zachary (Nichole Tubbs) Eastway, Caleb (Lesli Mickevich) Eastway, Jarek Swan, Chase Swan, Jay Swan, Mason Swan; three great grandchildren, Hailey, Micah, Riley; one sister, Roberta Scalio of Ludington; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wives, daughter, Susan Rebecca Aspinall on May 3, 1999, brother, Roger Swan; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The Funeral Service for Bill will be held Friday, February 17, 2017 at 11:00 AM from the Emanuel Lutheran Church, 501 East Danaher, Ludington, with the Rev. Mick Shriver officiating. Interment will be in the Lakeview Cemetery. Full Military Rites will be presented by the American Legion Post 76 and the US Army. Visitation will be Thursday 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the King Funeral Home and Cremation Services-Ludington. Memorial contributions may be directed to, Emanuel Lutheran Church, 501 East Danaher, Ludington, MI 49431, American Legion Post 76, 318 N. James Street, Ludington, MI 49431, Boy Scout Troop 1190 of Ludington.