George Robert “Bob” Swinehart: 1926 - 2008
George Robert “Bob” Swinehart, 81, a resident of rural Churubusco, died at 2:45 p. m. Friday, February 29, 2008, at Bethlehem Woods Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Fort Wayne after an extended illness.
Mr. Swinehart was born in Noble County on August 7, 1926, a son of Walter C. and Wilma Elizabeth (Slagle) Swinehart. As a young man he served his country in the U. S. Army during World War II, serving in the 35th Infantry as a light truck driver and sharpshooter.
Following his military discharge he was married in Fort Wayne on January 9, 1949 to Eleanor J. Nicolet. The couple spent their married lives on the family farm in Green Township, north of Churubusco.
Engaged in farming for many years in Green Township, he retired in 1990 as an operating engineer at the Falstaff Brewing Company in Fort Wayne, and was a member of Operating Engineers Local 19 in Fort Wayne.
Always an intensely patriotic American, he was a member of American Legion Post 82 in Fort Wayne and the Churubusco Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Turtle Post 3846.
The surviving relatives include his wife Eleanor, to whom he was married for over 59 years; his children Billy Gene (Cherii) Swinehart of Churubusco, Cheryll Lynn (Bob) Fiorendino of Lantana, TX., Susan Marie (Kevin) Howlett of Asheboro, NC., and Robert Charles Swinehart of Peoria, IL; a sister Joan Parks of Kendallville; and six grandchildren Adam Swinehart, Malinda Neith, Jaimee Granberry, Andrew Howlett, Allison Neith, and Austin Howlett.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Billy Jean Swinehart in World War II. Also deceased are five sisters Thelma Kruse, Violet Milford, Betty Swinehart, Norma Spriggs, and Carol Boyles; and a grandson Nickolas Swinehart.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a. m. Tuesday, March 4, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. Christine Newman-Jacobs, pastor of Churubusco United Methodist Church, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Monday from 2-4 and from 6-8 p. m., or one hour prior to the service.
Interment with military graveside rites will be in the Leo Cemetery, Leo.
The family requests that memorials be directed to the Churubusco United Methodist Church, 750 N. Main Street, Churubusco, IN 46723
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To leave a condolence for the family in Mr. Swinehart’s memory, please click on “Condolences” below. . .
March 2nd, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Eleanor,
My sincere sympathy in your loss; that for which we are prepared, but never ready.
1 Jn 13-14
You know that you are always in my prayers, more so at this time.
Love,
Stan
March 2nd, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
March 2nd, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Aunt Eleanor and family,
I wanted to send you something sharing our condolences. I remember as a young boy spending time at your farm doing the gardening and playing in the little house. Most of all I remember the times we took care of the chickens and they would run around the yard with their heads cut off. I have a lot of other fond memories but that one sticks out the most. We hope your family is doing well. I will not be able to attend the services, I have out of town committments. Love Ron and Margo
March 2nd, 2008 at 7:03 pm
Susan and family:
my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Love, Diane
March 2nd, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Eleanor,
We just received the e mail from Greg that George has passed away. We are very sorry for your loss and pray God’s peace be with you.
Dennis and Diana Shock
March 3rd, 2008 at 9:33 am
Susan,
We miss you and wanted you to know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Stacey
March 3rd, 2008 at 1:02 pm
My thoughts are prayers are with you.
March 3rd, 2008 at 1:15 pm
We love you and are all praying for you right now.
May God comfort you and your family and hold you in the peace of his arms.
Love,
Kate
March 3rd, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Susan my heart goes out to you and your family during this very difficult time if there is anything at all that i can do please let me know you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
LOVE, DUSTY
March 3rd, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Eleanor & Family -
We send our condolences and best wishes to you all. George was a kind man and good friend. His passing is a blessing in many ways and we pray that this time together you will remember only the good times and not the times of suffering and change. Each of you are his legacy. You are a fine and loving family. We lift you all in prayer during this time of sorrow. WE love you all. We are sad we cannot be with you at this difficult time.
Much love,
Rob, Grace Marie and Elijah Ransom
March 3rd, 2008 at 5:58 pm
We send our condolences and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
March 4th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Eleanor and Kids,
I wanted to send my condolences and best wishes to you all. I remember growing up and hanging out with Bill. George and Eleanor always made us kids feel welcome and part of the family. I hope everyone else is doing well.
Dennis M. Lamle
Salt Lake City
March 5th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Dear Eleanor,
I am so very sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you. After all of these years I still miss seeing you at Bible Study Fellowship.
Shelly Ladwig