Barner S. Swartz

Dear Mrs. Swartz, Lois and Linda,
Dear Mr. Swartz was a muscial and education icon whose influence extended beyond Perry County. Garnering his respect was something so many of his students sought with all of their being. The Greewood HS band was more than a gathering of amateur musicians who played correct notes, it was a community with a common purpose. Mr. Swartz pushed us beyond what we believed we could accomplish and molded us into reasoning and thinking people. The music was...

Dear Wilma Jean, Lois, Linda, and family,
We are so sorry to learn that Barner passed away. We had such a pleasant visit with all of you in PA last summer and are very grateful that we were able to meet him and have a great conversation about music and other things.
We hope and pray that you will find peace and strength in the days ahead.

With love and care, Bruce & Judy Cowan

Dear Lois and Bill, I was sadden last week when I read of your Dad's passing. Lois, I remember fondly visiting briefly in your home when I was a student at SU. After reading the paper I was made more keenly aware of his musical impact in this area and beyond. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to hear "your group" at the Pump House in 2006. May you both find God's peace in your memories of the good times that you all shared. Barb Fisher

WilmaJean,Linda, and Lois,

Barner was a great inspiration to my brother Rick, and also my sisters, Sandy, Sheri, and myself. Everyone one of us felt that our best memories of high school were those that were shared with Barner and the Greenwood Band. The memorial service you put together for his funeral was beautiful and I felt blessed to be there in attendance for that service. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Wilma Jean, Lois and Linda,
I was so very sorry to hear of Barner's passing. He will always have an important place in my teaching memories. He took this fledgling teacher under his wing and helped her survive her first few years of teaching at Greenwood. I know he touched many lives with his love of music.

Wilma Jean, Lois and Linda: A bit of light was taken from our planet on April 10th with the passing of Barner, but his light will continue to shine in so many hearts forever. My life was transformed because of his magnificent teaching, and I will always consider him my mentor and friend. May he rest among the angels with great music always surrounding his beautiful soul.....a life well-lived and well-loved. With deep sympathy and love to each of you and your extended family. Kimber Billow

My deepest sympathy goes to you and your family. Barner will forever be playing in Gods band. He will remain in the hearts of all the students he taught to truly appreciate music. As a former member of his band, I will forever be grateful for his guidance and unwillingness to take no for an answer.

Mrs. Swartz, Lois, and Linda - I have many fond memories of Mr. Swartz, since being a member of the Greenwood Community Band. Thank you Mr. Swartz for founding this band. My deepest sympathy to all of you.

Not many people have touched and enriched the lives of so many as Barner Swartz did throughout his life. And although I have not physically played the clarinet for many years, I hear the clarinet part in my head every time I attend a parade or hear a Souza march. The love of music was indeed instilled in me and my brothers and sisters by my parents and a man named Barner. This world is a better place because of his influence on all of us.