Allen Swan

Allen C. Swan, age 73, of Elburn, IL, passed out of this world to the place God made for him on May 24, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer.Allen was born March 25, 1941 to Charles (Chuck) Swan and Lucille Penrod Swan in Aurora. He spent the first few years of his life in Kaneville before the family moved to Elburn where he would spend the rest of his life. He attended Kaneland High School and graduated with the first graduating class in 1959. Allen was married to Dorothy Paulson in 1961 and they made their home in Elburn and together raised 2 children, Mark and Stacey. Allen began his career as a mechanic with his father, Chuck, first at Phillips 66 and then the business became Swan Ford until 1982, when it closed. His friend, Chuck Poust opened a shop off of North Street and Allen was turning wrenches again. He was joined by Jim Sandberg; the team was complete. Allen bought the business from Chuck a few years later and he and Jim were together at Valley West Auto for the next 30 years. A lifetime in Elburn and 30 years at the same spot brought Allen a community of friends and loyal customers. He fixed many cars over the phone just giving advice or making just a "tweak" here and there. His mind and memory were amazing. He could remember whose car and what kind it was 20 years before. Generations of cars and customers came through the doors of Valley West. It was not unusual for Allen to be seen out driving some lady to get her hair fixed, or driving her home while he changed her oil, and then picked her up again. Allen was a proud member of the Elburn Lions Club; a past president, a lifetime member and a recipient of the Melvin Jones Award. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and a member of the National Rifle Association. He loved nature, especially his beloved birds that he so enjoyed and loved feeding. He was a fierce football fan, but his really big love was Stock Car racing; he never missed a race on TV and attended many races for years with so many friends who had such wonderful tales to tell about his times with them. He was a past member of the Zoning Board and a member of the Planning Commission with his dear friend, Dave Anderson.In 2000, Allen lost his first wife to M.S. He later married his best friend and "soul mate", Lynette Crisp. He and Lynette worked together every day, played together, laughed together and were seldom apart. They spent many hours going to soccer, T-ball, baseball, wrestling, and football games, and lately stock car races. It was never too hot, too cold or too wet to keep Allen away; only his illness could sideline him from watching his beloved grandchildren. In January of 2014, Allen and Net would face their biggest challenge together when Allen was diagnosed with cancer. They faced this hurdle side by side, fighting every day, even though the battle was already lost. They spent the last months together enjoying as much as time allowed until she closed his eyes for the last time. He fought in Allen’s typical style: "Never give up!"Allen is survived by his loving wife, Lynette; 2 children, Stacey (Matt) Roach of DeKalb and Mark Swan of Chicago, IL; four grandsons: Alex, Nick, Logan and Brian Roach, all of DeKalb; his mother, Lucille Swan and his brother, Craig Swan, both of Elburn; one aunt, Louise Penrod of MN; his beloved father-in-law, Kenneth Clayton; three special sisters-in-law: Donna Tischhauser, Lisa Clayton and Kristi (Randy) Thompson, all of Athens, TN; 3 nieces: Elizabeth (Mark) Boesen of Woodstock, IL; Amanda (Brandon Smith) Walker, and Sophia Guffey; one nephew, Joseph Guffey, all of Athens, TN; 2 special great-nephews, Nathan Gabriel Walker of Athens and Aron James Boesen of Woodstock, IL. In addition, he leaves several cousins and a community of friends.He is preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy Swan; his father, Charles Swan; his uncles; one special Aunt Frances James; his mother-in-law, Susie Clayton and his dear friend and brother-in-law, Barry Tischhauser in November of 2013.His visitation will be held at his beloved church, Grace Fellowship Church, 17081 Owens Rd., Maple Park, IL on Thursday, May 29, 2014 from 4-7 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 7 p.m. The Rev. Ray Byrne and special speaker, Steve Lawson will officiate. Private family interment will follow at a later time.Allen was a man of integrity. He will be missed.In lieu flowers, a memorial has been established in his name to benefit the Elburn Lions Club and Grace Fellowship Church. Checks may be made to the "Allen Swan Memorial" and be mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes may be forwarded to the family at the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com. Arrangements handled through the care of Conley Funeral Home, Elburn, IL.

Grace Fellowhsip Church17081 Owens RoadMaple Park, IL