John Richard Swinburne

CARBONDALE – John Richard ‘Dick’ Swinburne, 83, passed away on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 in Manor Court of Carbondale. 



Dick was born on April 25, 1934 in West Frankfort to John and Edna (East) Swinburne.  He married Barbara (Miller) Lirely on September 24, 1989 in Salem.



Dick served in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged in 1956 at Seattle, Washington. 



He is survived by two stepsons, Roger (Denise) Lirely of Tyler, TX, and Stephen Lirely of Hubertus, WI, daughter Jane Renee Malick of Mandeville, LA, two stepdaughters Yvetta (Mike) Hays of Salem, and Necia Jannings of Carbondale; a brother, James (Patricia) Swinburne of Springfield; seven grandchildren, Erick and Andre Malick, Eric and  Mark Hays, Aaron Jannings, Lara Lirely, and Billy Lirely; six great-grandchildren, Daniel, Isaac, and Eden Hays, Charlie, Esme, and Henry Jannings.



He is preceded in death by his parents; a sister and a brother. 



Dick served as Educational Administrator in Springfield Elementary Schools.  He then served as Assistant Director for the SIUC Admissions Office, having retired in 1996.  He was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church, Carbondale.    



A Celebration of Dick’s life will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 12, 2017 at the First United Methodist Church, Carbondale, with Rev. Alan Rhein officiating.  Burial will be at Anna City Cemetery with Military Rites being conducted.  Friends can greet the family 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, June 11, 2017 at Meredith Funeral Home and Monday, June 12, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Carbondale. 



Memorials are the preferred form of remembrance and can be made to either “The Building Fund at First United Methodist Church of Carbondale or “Hospice of Southern Illinois, Inc.” and will be accepted at the church or funeral home. 



If you would like to share a story or memory of Dick, please visit, www.meredithfh.com.