Wayne E. Swihart

Wayne E. Swihart, 96, Valparaiso, IN and formerly of North Manchester, IN died at 10:20 p.m. Friday, January 24, 2014 at Whispering Pines Nursing Home, Valparaiso, IN. He was born in Kosciusko County, IN on May 5, 1917 to Clarence & Nettie (Lindzy) Swihart. On September 14, 1940 he married Mildred E. Beigh. She died March 3, 2010. Wayne graduated from Silver Lake High School in 1935. He did his undergraduate studies at Manchester College earning a BA degree in 1940 and an MA degree from Ohio State University in 1945. He did graduate studies at Indiana University and Ashland Theological Seminary and was ordained an elder by the Brethren Church. Along with his wife Mildred, Wayne served as student pastor at Congregational Christian in Ohio; Burlington Brethren Church, Tiosa and Mexico Brethren Church, Milford Brethren Church, Muncie Brethren Church and Mishawaka Brethren Church retiring in 1986. Wayne began church service as youth director with First Brethren Church at North Manchester. For 17 years he was teacher and administrator in public schools of Ohio and Indiana and for 30 years he was with Valparaiso University, retiring as associate professor of education. He is survived by two sons, Thomas (Sharon) Swihart, Valparaiso, IN and David (Rita) Swihart, Leesburg, IN, two daughters, Ann (Jack) Swihart Butts, Naples, FL and Nancy (Martin) Swihart McClintock, St. Louis, MO and his grandchildren, Jason Butts, Kevin Butts, Lisa Swihart, Mandy Swihart, Rob Emerson, Christa Emerson, Michael Swihart, Jamie Swihart, Ryan McClintock, Jeff McClintock and Amy McClintock. 13 great grandchildren also survive. One brother, Harold Swihart is deceased. Wayne was a member of First Brethren Church, North Manchester, IN and First Presbyterian Church, Valparaiso, IN. Services will be held Saturday, February 1, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, IN. Friends and family may call on Saturday from 10:30-11:00 a.m. at McKee Mortuary. Burial will follow in Lakeview Cemetery, Silver Lake, IN. For those who wish to honor the memory of Wayne E. Swihart, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Association, 50 E. 91St. Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240. To send a private condolence to the Swihart family, use the Condolence link on the Homepage.