Melvin Thomas Swaney

Melvin Thomas Swaney, 69, of Stuart, Florida, formerly a Twin City resident, passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2019, at the Community Hospice Truman House in New Philadelphia, following a brief illness. Born June 27, 1950 in Dennison, he was a son of the late Harvey Thomas “Tom” and Essie “Eileen” (Livingston) Swaney.

After growing up in Dennison, Melvin proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. After returning home from the service, he began his long career in maintenance services, having been employed by Joy Manufacturing, BarMet and Stone Container. He was a loving father who enjoyed coaching football while his son was a youth. In 1985, he moved to Florida where he was active as an Elder and a Deacon in the Full Gospel Church. He loved working with wood, especially creating religious emblems. Even though he lived in Florida, he was still deeply connected to his family in Ohio and enjoyed his frequent vacations to visit them.

On June 21, 1971, Melvin married the former Marjorie J. Leffler who survives him along with their children, Michael (fiancée, Andrea) Swaney, and Mandy Sokol; grandchildren, Braden (Bre) Swaney, Olivia Sokol, Gigi Sokol, Larry Ennis, Wesley Ennis, and Blaze Bacon; and great-grandchildren, Kayden, Izaeah, Celia, and Greysen. Melvin is also survived by his brothers, Jeff (Ruth) Swaney and Paul (Joan) Swaney; many nieces and nephews; and a number of great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Norman and Kathy Swaney.

Services, officiated by Pastor Larry Hostetler, will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 29, at the R. K. Lindsey Funeral Home in Dennison. Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions honoring Melvin’s memory may be made to the Disabled American Veterans.