Longtime Lake Area Water Patrolman Remembered After Recent Passing
With many in the lake area mourning the weekend line-of-duty death of Osage Beach Police Officer Phylicia Carson, the news also comes of the death of a longtime former law enforcement officer in the lake area.
William Swineberg retired with the rank of captain after serving 30 years for the Missouri State Water Patrol and working closely throughout his career with many local and state agencies…not to mention the FBI, ATF, IRS, and DEA.
Also included in Swineberg’s credits, along with then fellow officer Erik Gottman, was ending, arguably, the most notorious manhunt in Missouri with the capture at a cabin in Benton County of Alis Ben Johns, convicted of multiple murders, including in Camden County, who eluded law enforcement for six months.
Visitation and a service will be held at Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Home in Osage Beach on September 20th, followed by a celebration of life at Margaritaville.
Captain Swineberg passed on August 22. He was 77.
OBIT:
William Swineburg Obituary
Obituary published by Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes and Lake Memorial Gardens – Osage Beach on Aug. 25, 2024.
Captain William Stewart Swineburg
William Swineburg, age 77, of Osage Beach, Missouri passed away on August 22, 2024 at Lake Regional Health System.
William Stewart Swineburg was born November 13, 1946 in Springfield, Missouri to Charles Stewart and Mary Irene Swineburg.
Bill grew up in Sparta, MO. He enlisted in the Marine Corps as a young man and served in the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant where he was awarded:
·Vietnamese Service Medal with 3 Stars
·Combat Action Ribbon
·Good Conduct Ribbon 1st Award
·Presidential Unit Citation
·Navy Unit Citation
·Vietnamese Campaign Medal with Device
·National Defense Service Medal
·Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V
He was a graduate of Drury University in Springfield, MO with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Administration.
Bill began his career with the Missouri State Water Patrol at Lake of the Ozarks in 1971. He was the first member of the MSWP to attend the FBI Academy and a member of the first original MSWP Dive Team. He worked closely with the FBI, ATF, IRS, DEA, Attorney’s General’s Office, US Attorney’s Office, Kansas City Police Department, and all local Police and Sheriff’s Departments. Bill along with Officer Erik Gottman were the two officers responsible for a successful capture in the most notorious man hunt in Missouri state history, receiving national recognition. He was a respected investigator, detective, and a mentor to many officers. He received numerous awards and citations for his dedicated work including:
·Meritorious Service Medal from the Department of Public Safety
·Fred V. Heinkel Award for Excellence
·Missouri Senate Resolution No. 610 in 1997
·Missouri House of Representatives Resolution No. 571 in 1997
·Missouri Senate Resolution No. 824 in 2001
·Missouri House of Representatives Resolution No. 2046 & No. 2237 in 2001
·Law Enforcement Commendation Medal from the Society of the Sons of the American Revolution
·Letter of Commendation from the Assistant United States Attorney with the Federal Drug Task Force in Kansas City
·Letter of Commendation from the FBI
·Camden County Sheriff’s Department Sheriff’s Citation
·Most Outstanding Officer in District II
William Swineburg, age 77, of Osage Beach, Missouri passed away on August 22, 2024 at Lake Regional Health System.
William Stewart Swineburg was born November 13, 1946 in Springfield, Missouri to Charles Stewart and Mary Irene Swineburg.
Bill grew up in Sparta, MO. He enlisted in the Marine Corps as a young man and served in the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant where he was awarded:
·Vietnamese Service Medal with 3 Stars
·Combat Action Ribbon
·Good Conduct Ribbon 1st Award
·Presidential Unit Citation
·Navy Unit Citation
·Vietnamese Campaign Medal with Device
·National Defense Service Medal
·Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V
He was a graduate of Drury University in Springfield, MO with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Administration.
Bill began his career with the Missouri State Water Patrol at Lake of the Ozarks in 1971. He was the first member of the MSWP to attend the FBI Academy and a member of the first original MSWP Dive Team. He worked closely with the FBI, ATF, IRS, DEA, Attorney’s General’s Office, US Attorney’s Office, Kansas City Police Department, and all local Police and Sheriff’s Departments. Bill along with Officer Erik Gottman were the two officers responsible for a successful capture in the most notorious man hunt in Missouri state history, receiving national recognition. He was a respected investigator, detective, and a mentor to many officers. He received numerous awards and citations for his dedicated work including:
·Meritorious Service Medal from the Department of Public Safety
·Fred V. Heinkel Award for Excellence
·Missouri Senate Resolution No. 610 in 1997
·Missouri House of Representatives Resolution No. 571 in 1997
·Missouri Senate Resolution No. 824 in 2001
·Missouri House of Representatives Resolution No. 2046 & No. 2237 in 2001
·Law Enforcement Commendation Medal from the Society of the Sons of the American Revolution
·Letter of Commendation from the Assistant United States Attorney with the Federal Drug Task Force in Kansas City
·Letter of Commendation from the FBI
·Camden County Sheriff’s Department Sheriff’s Citation
·Most Outstanding Officer in District II
Bill retired as Captain of the Missouri State Water Patrol after 30 years of loyal service.
After retirement he operated Signature Signs and Ten Ring in Osage Beach. He loved hunting and fishing and taught his passion to his children and grandchildren. He especially enjoyed his Grandchildren who affectionately named him “Sir, Grumpy Sir.”
Bill is a legend and was loved and respected by so many. He will be greatly missed.
After retirement he operated Signature Signs and Ten Ring in Osage Beach. He loved hunting and fishing and taught his passion to his children and grandchildren. He especially enjoyed his Grandchildren who affectionately named him “Sir, Grumpy Sir.”
Bill is a legend and was loved and respected by so many. He will be greatly missed.
Bill is survived by his wife Linda; his Children, Billi Jo Evans of Springfield, Josh Swineburg of Osage Beach, Braden (Jessica) Swineburg of Oklahoma City, Stacy Jannise of Osage Beach; his grand-children Levi Presley and Mason Evans of Springfield, Ava Green, Ella Swineburg, Brett Swineburg, Brielle and Conner McGoldrick of Oklahoma City, Jamie and Jenna Jannise of Osage Beach; his great grandchildren Finley and Millie Presley of Springfield; other relatives and many friends.
Friends will be received from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm on Friday, September 20, 2024 at Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Home Osage Beach. Memorial Service with full Military Honors service will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, September 20, 2024 at Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Home Osage Beach.
A Celebration of Life will follow at Margaritaville Resort in Osage Beach. All are invited to attend and share memories of a life well lived.
Memorials can be sent to Zack Wheat American Legion Post 624 at PO Box 61, 852 American Legion Drive, Sunrise Beach, MO 65079.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 514 Highway 42, Osage Beach, MO 65065 (573) 348-3232.
Memorials can be sent to Zack Wheat American Legion Post 624 at PO Box 61, 852 American Legion Drive, Sunrise Beach, MO 65079.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 514 Highway 42, Osage Beach, MO 65065 (573) 348-3232.
Condolences may be left online for the family at www.hedgesscottmillard.com.
Reporter Mike Anthony
