Melford L Swihart

Melford L. “Mel” Swihart, of Upper Sandusky, passed away early Sunday morning, January 15, at Marion General Hospital. He was 78. Born June 23, 1938, in Wyandot County, he was a son of the late Elton E. and Susan C. (Lawrence) Swihart. He married Susan C. Kline at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Upper Sandusky, on October 10, 1959 and she survives in Upper Sandusky. Mr. Swihart is survived by four sons, Eric and Barry Swihart both of Upper Sandusky; Brett Swihart, Westerville; Brian (Karlea) Swihart, Springboro; six grandchildren, Graham Swihart, Temecula, CA; Lauren and Rachelle Swihart, Westerville; Jordan and Jared Swihart, Upper Sandusky; Courtney (Joshua) Kurth, Canfield; three great-grandchildren, Emma, Ella and Joshua II Kurth, Canfield; A step granddaughter, Lindsey Brown; one sister, Mary Ekleberry, Upper Sandusky; one brother, Larry (Roxie) Swihart, Upper Sandusky; three sister-in-laws, Jeanne and Emily Swihart, Upper Sandusky and Marcia Kline, Cape Coral, FL.; One brother-in-law, Dennis Kline, Massillon. 6 nieces and 3 nephews and family friend Chelsea Cosgrove. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Marvin and Eugene Swihart; two brother-in-laws, Fred Ekleberry and Gary Kline. Mr. Swihart was a graduate of Upper Sandusky High School in 1956. He served in the U. S. Navy from 1956 to 1959 where he was a Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class on the submarine tender the “USS Howard W. Gilmore” (AS-16), Key West, FL. In 1958 Mr. Swihart was honored to go on maneuvers on the nuclear submarine the “USS Seawolf” (SSN 575) after it returned from a maneuver for weeks under the arctic ice cap before finally pushing through near the North Pole. The “USS Seawolf” was the second nuclear powered submarine with the Nautilus being the first. He retired from Columbia Gas of Ohio in 1994 after 35 years of employment. He was also a past Crane Township Clerk. In 2003 Mr. Swihart was inducted into the Upper Sandusky Hall of Fame with the 1955 undefeated football team and also in 2016 into the Wyandot Sports Hall of Fame with the 1955 undefeated football team. In his earlier years he was the coach for Neumeister’s Bakery and Grundtisch Ford Little League Baseball teams and also umpired many games. Mr Swihart was president of the Little League Baseball Commission in 1972. He also served as President of the Midget League Football Commission and was assistant coach of the Packers Midget League Football team. He volunteered his time in scouting as a cubmaster and a scout leader for the Webelow’s as well. Mr. Swihart was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church where he had served as a decon. He was also a member of Jaycees, Wy. Co. Rod and Gun Club, National Rifle Assoc., life member of Amvets #777, Moose Lodge #1093, life member of Elks Lodge BPOE #83, American Legion Post #225 and Stone Crossing Golf Club. For hobbies: He had enjoyed golfing in several leagues accomplishing 3 holes in one. Mr. Swihart also enjoyed playing softball, bowling, fishing, riding his motorcycle/scooter and last but not least working in his yard. The funeral will be held at 10:30AM Wed. Jan. 18, 2017 in Bringman-Clark Funeral Home, Upper Sandusky, with the Rev. Joe Trester officiating. Burial will follow in Old Mission Cemetery, Upper Sandusky, with military graveside honors conducted by Upper Sandusky Veterans Color Guards. Visitation will be held from 4-7PM Tue. Jan. 17, 2017 at Bringman Clark Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, American Legion Post #225 , or charity of donor’s choice in care of Bringman-Clark Funeral Home, 226 E. Wyandot Ave., Upper Sandusky, OH 43351.

Melford L Swihart

June 23, 1938 - January 15, 2017