| Sources |
- [S30] Rocky Obit, Herald Democrat, (https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/heralddemocrat/name/ronald-svane-obituary?pid=108232787), 1 (Reliability: 3), 2021.
Ronald Lee "Rocky" Svane
1932-2008
DENISON - Retired Captain Ronald (Rocky) Lee Svane of Denison, died Monday April 22, 2008 at Texoma Medical Center; he was 75. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 25, 2008 at Bratcher Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jeff Wideman officiating.
Rocky was born on Sept. 29, 1932 in Bruce, S.D. He was the only son of Elmer and Mabel Svane. He was raised on Vashon Island in Washington. After graduating from high school, Rocky joined the U.S. Air Force in 1951 and was trained as a fighter pilot and earned the rank of Captain as a test pilot flying F-102 aircraft. Rocky was a member of the 59th Interceptor Fighter Squadron. While he was briefly stationed in Phoenix, Ariz., he met his soon to be wife, Barbara Gettel. They were married on April 26, 1956 at the Gettel family home in Sebewaing, Mich. They were married for 42 years.
In 1963, they were stationed at Perrin AFB in Denison, where they chose to make their permanent home, where, together they raised four children. After leaving the Air Force, in 1965, he joined American Airlines; he was a pilot for the airlines until his retirement in 1992. Following his retirement, he continued to spend his time pursuing his passion for ranching and other interests, including spending time with family. Following the death of his wife, Barbara, in 1998, Rocky was blessed for a second time when he met Patricia (Patsy) Zachary. They were married in the spring of 2000.
He was a devoted husband and father, who loved life and lived it for all it was worth.
Survivors include his wife, Patsy; a daughter and son-in-law, Roy and Terry Svane Scott, of Denison; sons and daughters-in-law, Todd and Diana Svane of Sherman, Mark and Susan Svane of Tioga, and Eric and Lisa Svane of Flower Mound; daughters from his extended family, Jeannie Zachary of McKinney, and Carol and Duane Johnson of Simpsonville, S.C.; grandchildren, Misty Scott Santos and Max Scott; Lauren, Jenna and Garrett Svane; Audrey and Hunter Svane; Ashley, Brandon, Nicole, Grant, and Justin Svane; and Hunter, Houston, and Hudson Johnson; and sisters, Donna Morse of Edmonds, Wash., Patricia Morehouse, of Briar, Wash., Fran Reagor of Shelby, Mont., Marilyn Murphy of Tacoma, Wash. and Sharen McLean of Milton, Wash.
He was preceded in death by both parents and wife, Barbara.
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1932 - 2008 (75 years)
