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Robert Swank Obituary
CHILLICOTHE: Dr. Robert E. Swank, M.D., 91, of Chillicothe, passed from this life Friday afternoon, December 14, 2012 in Four Winds Community Nursing Center, Jackson. He was born February 16, 1921 in Dayton, Ohio, the son of the late Elmer and Eva Swank. On June 10, 1944 he married Mary C. Curtis, his devoted wife of 60 years until her passing in 2004.
Surviving are his daughter and son-in-law, Nancy L. and Robert Platt, Williamson, NY; his son and daughter-in-law, Robert D. and Carolyn F. Swank, Jackson, OH; grandchildren, Betty Jean, Joanne, Karen, Robin, Adam and Kevin; seven great-grandchildren and devoted friends, Murlin Triplett, Richmond Dale, OH, Dr. Lewis Coppel, Chillicothe and Sue Marr, VT. His parents and a sister, Vivian preceded him in death.
Dr. Swank was a graduate of the University of Dayton and the Ohio State University College of Medicine. He was a member of ROTC at the University of Dayton and served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps in Japan following WW II. He came to Chillicothe in 1948 as a physician at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. In 1949 he opened his own practice. Bob served the Chillicothe area until his retirement in the early 1980's, delivering many babies and practicing family medicine and anesthesia. He was Chief of Staff at Medical Center Hospital in 1980.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Scioto Lodge #6, F&AM, the Scottish Rite and the Shrine. In the 1960's and 70's, he was active in the Boy Scouts, making two trips to Philmont Scout Ranch in 1966 and 1967. He was awarded the Vigil of Honor, Order of the Arrow; the Wood Badge with three beads, serving as Course Director in 1974 and was a recipient of the Silver Beaver Award.
Bob was an active pilot and aircraft owner for many years and was a flower enthusiast, know for growing orchids.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, December 18, 2012 in the FAWCETT OLIVER GLASS AND PALMER FUNERAL HOME with Pastor Robin Wargowsky officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Monday.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice.
A memorial register is available on-line at www.fawcett-palmer.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Swank
6 Entries
Linda Kramer
December 19, 2012
My Deepest Sympathy to family for the loss of your father....I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Swank when Tom Marr and I would visit his Mother. The fondest memories I had of Dr. Swank was hearing some of the family stories of some of their adventures together. He will be missed.
Jane McHarg Highland
December 17, 2012
I will always remember Dr Swank's wonderful sense of humor. He cared for my husband and me from birth and then our 4 children for most of their childhood until he retired. He was a wonderful man and doctor who touched so many lives.
Thanks Doc!
Claudia Neff
December 17, 2012
Many memories of working for Dr. Swank and times at the Boy Scott Camp. He was a super guy and will be missed.
Martha Schachne Laughon
December 16, 2012
Dear Swank Family
I was sadden to hear of the passing of Dr Swank. I remember fondly when we were neighbors and Dr Swank was my doctor my entire childhood. Please know that you are in my thoughts at this difficult time.
Rita Skaggs
December 16, 2012
Thank you for all of the years of service which you gave my family during times of illness and births. A great man has now gone to meet the one who is the "Greatest Healer"...R.I.P. Dr. Swank...(and thank-you for hot chocolate in Canada when I was very young...)
December 16, 2012
Dr. Swank was a man of many hats. He made a significant contribution to the lives of all he touched.
J.T. Smith
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
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Funeral services provided by:
Fawcett Oliver Glass and Palmer Funeral Home - Chillicothe77 East Fifth Street, Chillicothe, OH 45601
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