DIXON – Howard E. Swanson, 85, formerly of Fulton, died Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013, at his winter home in Estero, Fla.

Howard was born in Fulton Township, the son of Roy S. and Elizabeth E. (Montgomery) Swanson. He married Betty Jean Balk in 1952. She preceded him in death on May 30, 1953. In 1955, he married Irma DeWeerdt in 1955. In 1983, he married Lois Near.

He was affiliated with fuel oil, gas, and propane businesses since 1955, until he retired in 2011. Howard was a 57-year member of Fulton Fire Department; 52-year member of Fulton American Legion Post 402; spent 32 years on the Fulton Flood Control Board; 32 years on the Whiteside County Zoning Board; and was a 10-year member of Clinton Fraternal Order of the Eagles. He served in the Air Force from 1948 to 1952, and served in the Korean War.