Joseph E. Swigart

Joseph E. Swigart, 95, of Watseka passed away on Friday, March 14, 2025 at his residence surrounded by family.
Joseph was born on August 19, 1929 in Bloomington, IL, to Lowell M. and Laurabelle (Holmes) Swigart. He attended Rosencrans Schoolhouse in Farmer City along with several other schools, before eventually relocating to Donovan, IL.
Joe graduated from Donovan High School in 1948. He married Carolyn D. Anderson on October 1, 1950 in Beaver Twp, and she preceded him in death on December 21, 2010. He married his first grade sweetheart, Helen Cox, on April 29, 2018 and she survives.
Joe enlisted in the Air Force in 1950 and served during the Korean Conflict until 1953, when he received an honorable discharge due to a family emergency back home. He enjoyed keeping in touch with his military service buddies over the years.
Joe dedicated over 30 years to farming while, for many years, also working nights at Permonite Manufacturing Company in Morocco, IN, demonstrating his unwavering dedication and strong work ethic. Joe also served as a custodian at Donovan High School from 1982 to 1987 and at Watseka High School from 1987 to 1994.
Joe enjoyed traveling. He visited 47 states, Canada and Mexico. He loved telling stories of his past, especially about "courting" Carolyn, his time in the service, and farming. He could often be heard singing tunes from years gone by. Joe was very proud of his family and enjoyed going to their extra-curricular activities.
Joe was a longtime member of the Donovan United Methodist Church, and then transferred his membership to the Watseka Methodist Church after his move.
Survivors include his sister, Sally Anderson of Watseka, one daughter, Sarah (Gary) Lambert of Watseka, two daughters in law, Debra Swigart of Watseka and Marybeth Noel of Palmyra, MO, one son-in-law, Ben Walters of Boiling Springs, SC, 10 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Also surviving are the children of his beloved wife, Helen: son, Kim (FL), and daughters Paula (FL) and youngest Lori (IN), who loved him dearly.
Preceding him in death are his parents, one brother, Lowell Swigart Jr., daughter Susan Walters, sons Scott and Steven Swigart and Helen's son, Dale.
Visitation will be Wednesday, March 19, 2025 from 10-11am at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. The funeral service will immediately follow with Reverend Joe Hughes officiating. A private burial will be held at John H. Grant Memorial Park at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Iroquois Memorial Hospice.
Please share a memory of Joe at www.knappfuneralhomes.com. To send flowers to the family of Joseph, please visit our floral store.