BELLVILLE: Donald Lee Swank, age 86, died Sunday, June 29, 2025, at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital.
Born July 5, 1938, in Fredericktown to Frederick and Velma (Fisher) Swank, Don was raised with the values of his generation—discipline, self-reliance, and a belief in the dignity of hard work. He graduated from Bellville High School in 1956.
Early on, Don had a fondness for John Deere tractors, and in his younger years, he enjoyed competing in tractor pulls. But as life took shape, his attention turned toward family and work—two callings he never took lightly.
He spent 20 years at Mansfield Plumbing Products as a mold maker, earning his livelihood through precision and perseverance. Later, he found a second career on the road, driving a semi truck as an owner-operator, before eventually becoming a driver for Cowen Truckline. Long hours behind the wheel suited him—there was a rhythm in it, and a purpose.
Don will be remembered for the work ethic he lived and passed on. He taught his five sons never to miss a day’s work—not for bad weather, not for illness. And he lived that example, showing up each day without complaint. What he expected of himself, he offered freely to them: encouragement, loyalty, and a steady presence. He never missed a wrestling match or football game, cheering not just for the score, but for the men they were becoming. He saw in them a better life than he’d known and took deep satisfaction in providing for it.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley M. (Brokaw) Swank, whom he married October 21, 1961; their sons Daniel (Tammy) Swank of North Pole, Alaska, Douglas (Amy) Swank of Bellville, Kelly (Stacey) Swank of Mansfield, and Shelly Swank of Lucas; and their “adopted son” Dave (Joyce) Bollinger of Bellville; ten grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; siblings Joanne Gillum of Bellville, Marcia (Rob) Knuckles of Bellville, Dwain Swank of Mansfield, Larry (Verona) Swank of Westerville, and Randy (Peggy) Swank of Bellville; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Donald Swank Jr., and his sister June Coffman.
The Swank family will receive friends and family Thursday, July 3, 2025, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Don’s memory are encouraged to benefit Love Our Heros (LoveOurHeros.org) and may be made at the funeral home.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve the Swank family. Share a message of support—and watch Don’s tribute video—online at https://www.snyderfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Donald-Lee-Swank?obId=43162441#/obituaryInfo
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Home Bellville Butler Chapel
Website: SnyderFuneralHomes.com