Kyle O. Swartz

On March 9, 2019, Kyle O. Swartz passed from this world at Life Care Hospice into the waiting arms of his Lord and Savior.

Kyle was born August 7, 1929 to Austin and Grace (Repp) Swartz in Burbank, Ohio.  Kyle was one of seven children.  He graduated from Burbank High School in 1947 and headed up the Burbank Alumni Association for many years.  Kyle married Barbara McComas Swartz on June 6, 1950 and they shared a life of love until her passing in 1975.  In 1990 he met Julia Marshall and they were united in marriage at Plain Lutheran Church on March 16, 1991.

Kyle started his working career at the age of 14 at Wright's Grocery Store in Burbank, Ohio.  He also helped friends with farm work.  After high school, he worked at Gerstenslager Company for several years and then moved on to the Kroger Store as assistant manager and also as a troubleshooter for other Kroger stores in the surrounding counties.  In 1963, Wayne County Commissioner Frank Taggart hired Kyle to head up the maintenance department at the Wayne County Courthouse.  When Kyle retired in 1993, he was Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds for all Wayne County properties that came under the jurisdiction of the commissioners.  During his career, Kyle oversaw the construction of the current Administration building along with the remodeling of the Kinney Building, the Wayne County Care Center and various other structures.

Kyle was also an avid bowler.  He gained many strong friendships through bowling. He enjoyed the challenge of knocking down the pins.  It wasn't so much about scoring more than someone else, it was constantly working to outscore his previous games.

Kyle was a devoted member of Plain Lutheran Church.  His faith was so very important to him and he strove to show others he met in his daily life the importance of having God in their hearts. Kyle will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend.

In addition to his wife Julia, Kyle is survived by his children, Corrine Swartz of Wadsworth, OH, Elizabeth (Jim) Paul of Orrville, OH, Linda Findlay of Sarasota, FL, Karen Ringler of Jeromesville, OH, Robert (Jackie) Swartz of Glenmont, OH, Pam Marshall of Shreve, OH, Sheryl (Del) Goudy of Sterling, OH and Mindee (John) Marshall-Davis of Octonagon, MI. and Jan Honoshofsky of Lakeville, OH, who was Kyle's wood cutting partner for many years.  Kyle also is survived by 16 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren with another due in July, and several nephews and nieces. A special appreciation from the family to his nephew Ron Swartz who went above and beyond to help get Kyle to many, many appointments and special appreciation also to his son-in-law Del Goudy, who helped with many chores that needed done on a regular basis.

In addition to his parents and his first wife, Kyle was preceded in death by his brothers and their wives; Elno and Florence, Warren and Helen, Blake and Florence and twin brother Lyle and Ella along with his sisters and their husbands; Maude and Chet Esselburn and Amanda and Charlie Millard also son-in-law Richard Ringler and grandson Jacob Ringler.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, March 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Zak-Thacker & Monbarren Funeral Home, 29 East Main St., Dalton, OH.  Funeral service will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at Plain Lutheran Church 4830 Blachleyville Road, Wooster, OH with Rev. Jerry Rhea, officiating.  Friends will also be received 1 hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Plain Lutheran Cemetery located adjacent to the church. Family suggests memorial contributions be made to Life Care Hospice 1900 Akron Road, Wooster, Ohio 44691. Online obituary and guest registry are available at www.zakmonbarrenfh.com

(Zak-Thacker & Monbarren, 330-828-2536)

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