John Swisher

John Eldon Swisher, the son of Gertrude Pearl and Oakley James Swisher, passed away on Friday, April 16, 2021.

John was born May 16, 1928, in Danville, Ill.

He grew up in Illinois in the Champaign-Urbana and Danville area and finished the eighth grade. He moved with his family to Michigan in August 1942 and graduated from Buchanan High School in 1946.

John worked at the Clark Equipment, Buchanan, plant, and also at Cities Frosted Foods and Silvercup Bakeries all in South Bend, Ind., and for Nickles Bakery in South Bend and Elkhart, Ind., until his retirement. He was a member of Teamsters 364 in South Bend, Ind. He retired at the age of 62 in 1990. He enjoyed his early retirement years.

He was deeply devoted to his First United Methodist Church in Buchanan, the Salvation Army in Niles, and the Buchanan police for their help in times of medical crisis.

John had many friends in the South Bend, Mishawaka, Elkhart and Plymouth, Ind., areas in the business community. He had a beautiful touch on the piano and organ and loved all music, especially gospel and singing. He lived close to nature and natural beauty. John helped so many people with advice and problems.

He was very close to his brother Oakley who lived in Kalamazoo, and was accidentally killed in 1965; his brother Eugene passed in 1974, who was close and dear to him; his brother who he never knew, Marvin, born and died in 1925; and his beloved brother, Royce, who was so close to him all his life, passed away on Dec. 2, 2020.

John's sister, Joyce, who took care of him in his advanced age, still survives.

He was preceded in death by his four brothers; parents; two nieces: Sandy and Jean Ann; and two nephews: John and Larry.

He leaves his sister, Joyce; nieces: Sharon and Linda; and three nephews: Ron, Gene and Monty.

He thanks everyone who helped with care the last few years. A special thanks to his pastor, Ellen, whose many visits and prayers guided him through. Thank you to the Chalet of Niles for all their love and care for him and his entire family.

The funeral service for John will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 22, at Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan. Visitation will take place one hour prior, starting at noon. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan.

Due to COVID-19 and the restrictions, there will not be a luncheon held afterwards. Masks are required to attend the funeral.

Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com.