Donald L. Swinderman

Donald L. Swinderman, 84, of Port Washington, O., passed away on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at Union Hospital in Dover, O., following a brief illness.

Born May 26, 1925 in Midvale, O., he was a son of the late Homer William and Frances Mae (Clouse) Swinderman.

Donald proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II, having enlisted at the age of sixteen. With the exception of his time in the military, he was a lifelong resident of Tuscarawas County and had worked for a number of area businesses includeing Ross Clay in the Twin City area, Wick’s in Port Washington and Simonds in Newcomerstown from which he retired in the late 80’s. He was also the president of the Steelworkers’ Union Local for many years.

A longtime member of V.F.W. Post #7943 in Tuscarawas and of the Gnadenhutten F. & A. M. Temple, Donald was a man of many interests. He loved to read and work crossword puzzles, enjoyed many happy hours playing cards with family and friends, and also liked to fish. He was an avid sports enthusiast who loved to watch his favorite teams play on television and will be fondly remembered for his robust sense of humor.

Donald’s surviving family includes his daughter, Mrs. Gerald (Linda) Fansler, Jr. of Port Washington; step-daughter, Mrs. Louis (Nancy) Milyiori of Dover; sisters: Mrs. Howard (Joanne) Freeman, Mrs. Tom (Arlene) Murphy, and Mrs. Margie Warner, all of Uhrichsville, Mrs. Shirley Schreiner of Tuscarawas, and Mrs. Glenn (Audrey) Mullett of Port Washington; a brother, George Swinderman and his wife, June, of Gnadenhutten; and many nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Mrs. Will (Tammy) Beavers, Mrs. Jerry (Donna) Enos, Mrs. Ken (Kim) Gill, Thomas Beagley, Shaun W. Fansler, Mrs. Ed (Nicole) Enold, Kendal Stull and his wife, Janet, Brian Timmerman, Amy Timmerman, Mrs. Robin Minor, Brenda Page, and Mrs. Joe (Tessy) Arrington, as well as twenty great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Della Mae (Morgan) Swinderman; his second wife, Carmel C. (Beal) Swinderman to whom he was married December 15, 1964; a daughter, Jeanne Milligan; a sister, Dorothy Paulun; and a brother, Kenny Swinderman.

A private family service will be held with interment to follow in Port Washington’s Union Cemetery. Those wishing to honor Donald’s memory by a charitable contribution are encouraged to do so to the charity of their choice.
R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home, Inc.
(740) 922-1970
www.lindseyfh.com