Kenneth W. Swanger, age 96, of Shelby, died Sunday, December 21, 2014 at Hospice of North Central Ohio in Ashland.
Mr. Swanger was born July 5, 1918 in Tiro the son of the late William K and Grace E. (Gutshall) Swanger. He began his working career at the Ohio Steel Tube Company working there for 10 years. He then hauled milk in his own truck for 4 years, delivered wholesale groceries for Bissman’ s and then delivered freight for the Pennsylvania Railroad for 4 years. He completed his career working at General Motors in Mansfield for 21 years, retiring in 1981. He was a Navy veteran of World War II.
He enjoyed square dancing and NASCAR.
Kenneth is survived by 3 sons: James L. (Beverly) Swanger of Shelby, Charles W. (Lorraine J.) Swanger of Mansfield and Douglas E. (Lorraine R.) Swanger of Mifflin; a daughter: Marilyn (Tommy) Watts of Shelby; a daughter-in-law: Susan Swanger of Shelby; 15 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; 3 brothers: Glenn (Bonnie) Swanger, William Junior Swanger and Donald Swanger all of Shelby; a sister: Elsie Shepherd of Shelby.
On August 22, 1937 he married the love of his life: Esther J. (Kegley) Swanger and she preceded him in death on June 29, 2008 after 70 years of marriage. Also preceding him in death were: a son: Kenneth L. “Larry” Swanger in 2007; a grandson: John W. Swanger in 2008; a brother: Frank Swanger; 4 sisters: Beatrice Baker, Gladys Ewing, Helen Lybarger, and Mildred Pugh.
Friends and family are welcome on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 from 6-8 PM at the Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby where funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday at 10 AM with Rev. O. Douglas Tackett officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery in Shelby. Memorial expressions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio, 1050 Dauch Drive, Ashland, Ohio 44805.
To share a memory or to leave a condolence for the Swanger family, please visit
www.turnerfuneralhomeshelby.com
