With great sadness, we announce the passing of Don Robert Swearingen, 70, of Crawfordsville. Don passed away unexpectedly at 10:10 PM, Monday, September 4, 2023, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital-Indianapolis.
Don was born August 29, 1953, in Crawfordsville to the late Richard and Helen Harbison Swearingen.
He was a 1971 graduate of Crawfordsville High School. He owned and operated the Phillips 66 gas station in Crawfordsville until 2000. He then worked at Etter Ford until retiring in 2015. After retiring, he helped his son, Aaron, at his business, Six Six Apparel in Brownsburg every Wednesday.
Don loved to talk and would talk for hours to anyone that was willing to listen. He never met a stranger and regardless of how far he travels he always ran into someone he knew, even on one of his trips to Hawaii. Don loved music and would sit for hours at the computer listening to music and watching music videos. He traveled to Brownsburg every Wednesday to his son’s shop and just this past Wednesday, August 30, 2023, he pulled up music on his computer and had his son and daughter-in-law watching videos, until his son kindly said “Dad, I need to get back to work.” Don loved life and lived it to the fullest until Dementia started progressing.
Don was a member of Woodland Heights Christian Church, Montgomery County Democrat Club, and Russellville Masonic Lodge #141. He has served and enjoyed being a part of the Crawfordsville City Council (Ward 4), Crawfordsville Electric Light & Power Board, and Crawfordsville Board & Zoning for many years.
In addition to his wife, Debra, survivors include daughters Cari Wolter (Patrick) and Mindy Kenney (Kevin), sons Craig, Ross (Kerrie), and Aaron (Crystal), and ten grandchildren. Don is also survived by sisters, Gwyn Lyons (John), Kaye Francis, and brother Paul Swearingen (Denise). He also has numerous nieces and nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Helen Swearingen, Mother-in-Law, Patricia Smith Gosnell (John), and nieces Jennah Sue Smith and Danielle Brook Francis.
Don lost his best friend 8 months ago, a black lab named Deuce (14 ½ years old) that he adopted from the Montgomery County Animal Welfare League.
Memorial donations can be made to the Montgomery County Animal Welfare League in honor of his beloved dog, Deuce, or Montgomery County Community Foundation.
Honoring Don’s wishes, there will not be a funeral service; however, a public graveside service will take place at Greenlawn Cemetery, In Darlington, on September 9, 2023 at 11:00AM.
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