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James Dale Parker
James Dale Parker, 81, of Whitestown, Indiana, formerly of Henderson and Murray, Kentucky, passed away at 2:33 p.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Born on July 17, 1944, in Kirksey, Kentucky, to the late James A. and Madeline Parker, Dale dedicated his life to service, family, and faith. He served with the Kentucky State Police for 29 years, embodying integrity and commitment throughout his career. Following his retirement from law enforcement, he continued serving others as an agent with Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society.
Dale was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves, retiring as a First Sergeant after 21 years of service. He remained deeply connected to his faith throughout his life and worshipped at Zionsville United Methodist Church in Zionsville, Indiana; Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Henderson, Kentucky; and Goshen United Methodist Church in Murray, Kentucky.
Known for his gentle spirit and generous heart, Dale found joy in fishing and never missed an opportunity to support his grandchildren’s activities. His calm, “gentle giant” presence and steady counsel made him someone others naturally leaned on. Guided by a deep and enduring faith, he lived with humility and quiet strength, shaping the way he loved and protected his family as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His easy humor, patience, and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Dale is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Donna Son Parker, of Whitestown, Indiana; his daughters, Jennifer King of Henderson, Kentucky, Jamie Parker-Smith (Shannon) of Gulf Breeze, Florida, and Dana Stelsel (David) of Zionsville, Indiana; and his seven grandchildren, Jackson, Cooper, Braden, Ford, Emmajane, Mae, and Grayson.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Gene Parker; his sister, Shelby Suiter; and his former wife, Helen Jane Vowels.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Chapel Hill Church in Henderson, Kentucky. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. CT, with the service beginning at 11:00 a.m. CT.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of memorial contributions to Trooper Island Inc. (https://www.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov/trooper-island).
Online condolences may be made at www.jhchurchill.com
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Bruce Alan Swanson
Bruce Alan Swanson, age 76, of Henderson, KY, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the Lucy Smith King Care Center under the care of St. Anthony’s Hospice.
Bruce spent 45 years in the field of Education working in various states settling in Henderson in July of 1998. He was the principal of Henderson County School and under his leadership he graduated roughly 5000 students in our community. Bruce was always liked by staff, respected by teachers, and loved by students. He presented state and national education conferences regarding the “school within a school” concept and strong career and technical education. Bruce loved the Lord and studying his Bible, doing devotionals, and praying were part of his daily life. He faithfully attended Corydon Missionary Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School. Bruce helped people in his orbit at work and in his personal life with medicine, Christmas for children, tuition, rent, and many more things. He was an incredibly generous man. This is the Bruce Swanson our town knows.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents Arnold and Evelyn Swanson and his brother-in-law Thomas Phelps.
Bruce is survived by his wife of 25 years Jo Ann Golday Swanson of Henderson, KY; daughter Jenna Wieberdink (Eric) of Spicer, MN; son Joshua Swanson (Nikki) of Booneville, IN; step-daughters Ashley Bruner-Bailey (Brian) of Henderson, KY and Whitley Southard (Paul) of Henderson, KY; sisters Sally Pemberton (Bruce) of Rolling Meadows, IL and Sue Phelps of Port Byron, IL; grandchildren: Nathan, Asher, Ellie, Kate, Gunner, Layla, Sophia, Katie, Abby, Mitchell, and Sammy; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to Bruce’s Life Celebration from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday and from 10:00 a.m. until the service time on Thursday at Corydon Missionary Baptist Church in Corydon, KY. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the church with Reverend Rick O’Daniel officiating. Burial will follow at Fairmont Cemetery in Henderson, KY.
Pallbearers will be James Nobles, Brian Bailey, Paul Southard, Gunner Southard, Scott Nobles, and Neal Nobles.
Arrangements entrusted to Benton-Glunt & Tapp Funeral Home, A Life Celebration® Home, online condolences may be made at www.bentongluntandtappfuneralhome.com.
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