Kenneth E. “Ken” Swartz, 90, of Thompsontown and formerly of Mifflintown passed away at 9:07 p.m. on Thursday, June 15, 2017 at the Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital, Camp Hill.
Born on August 21, 1926 in Milroy, Mifflin County he was the son of the late Alton Swartz and Ethel (Collins) Swartz-Leyder. On April 21, 1950, he married his surviving wife A. Pearl (Oberlin) Swartz with whom he was blessed to share more than 67 years of marriage.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Edward C. Swartz and his wife Donna Richardson, of Squantum, Mass., Diane L. Detra, Neil G. Swartz and his wife Charlotte, all of Mifflintown, Lynnetta J. Armstrong and her husband Kevin, of Port Royal; three sisters, Mary Eaton and her husband Dick, of Port Royal, Nora Lou Blessing, of Mifflintown, Kay Cummings and her husband Sam, of Mifflin; and also he leaves behind 7 grandchildren , 11 great-grandchildren.
A grandson, Mark Carl Detra, four sisters, Alice Price, Rhoda Stake, Laura Ruth McCulloch Warner and Helen Burdge Shingler preceded him in death.
Mr. Swartz was a proud veteran of WWII having served with the U.S. Army and currently was attending the Free Spring Church of the Brethren, McAlisterville. Previously he had been a member of the Juniata JETS.
His career started with the Pa. Rail Road and spanned more than 30 years at the Enola Rail yards, until retiring in 1977 from Conrail as a diesel machinist and supervisor.
In earlier life he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also enjoyed walking, planting flowers, gardening and watching TV.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 from the Brown Funeral Homes, Inc. 100 Bridge St., Mifflintown, with Pastor Terry Smith officiating. Interment will follow in the Cedar Grove Cemetery, Mifflintown where full military burial honors will be accorded by the Juniata County Veterans council.
A viewing will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, June 19, 2017 at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mr. Swartz’s memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice.