COMPTON - Elroy W. Swope, 90, of Compton, passed away December 8, 2020 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, Rockford.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12 at Restland Cemetery, Mendota with Rev. Jeff Schlesinger officiating. Military rites will be conducted by Mendota VFW Post 4079. Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota is assisting the family.

Elroy was born April 23, 1930 in Compton to Wendell and Elizabeth (Kehm) Swope. He married Elaine Kidd in rural Paw Paw.

Survivors include his wife of Compton; two daughters, Margo Ackland of Mount Morris and Wendy (John) Wenzel of Knoxville; three brothers, Donald “Doc” Swope of Compton, Marvin “Butch” Swope of Michigan and Jerald Swope of West Brooklyn; one sister, Marilyn “Toots” Ehlers of Princeton; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Curtis; and one sister, Lavila Archer.

Elroy was a graduate of Lee Center High School. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a self-employed contractor and farmer. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge.

Memorials may be directed to a children’s charity of the donor’s choice.