Stanley Bernard Swisher

Stan valued his family, hard work, his country and serving God. His favorite Bible verse was “Trust in the Lord” (Proverbs 3:5).

Stan grew up in Spencerville, Ohio, the son of Bernard Elmo Swisher (“Bud”) and Guytanna Mae (“Guy”) (nee McClure). He loved living and working on the farm and helping his father with his business, Swisher Tree Service. He was a Boy Scout, played the piano and trombone, and was on the tumbling team. He would ride his bike around town to find work milking cows, shearing sheep, planting and hauling manure. He would ice skate on the Erie Canel and swim in the many ponds.

The family eventually left rural life and moved to Columbus, Ohio. He worked for Aspen Tree Trimmers and at the local garage repairing cars after school and on weekends. Stan started working for Columbus & Southern Electric Company (now AEP) in 1956. He was a draftsman, a lineman, a service dispatcher, worked on the trouble truck, a foreman, then traveled to Pakistan to help improve their electric grid, taught line school (actually teaching others how not to die), a line contractor, and later supervised the overhead line crew in Delaware County before finally retiring after forty-five (45) years. Stan also worked part-time at Shamrock Towing for more than thirty (30) years.

Stan enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1961 and completed basic training at Fort Knox. He repaired helicopters at Fort Rucker, in Alabama. He was honorably discharged to the National Guard State of Ohio where he completed his service in 1966.

He met the love of his life Patricia Ellen Clark (“Pat”) in 1957. They dated on and off until Patricia finally conceded to marry in March of 1963. Their life together was full of fun and adventure. They loved their time together and were members of several square-dancing groups and card clubs. They were members of the Honda Gold Wing Association and then the Harley Owner’s Group. Always adventurous, Stan found a true partner in Pat as she was always happy to join in his adventures. He was also encouraging and supportive for any project Pat was excited about. They enjoyed every moment of their 62 plus years of marriage.

Stan and Pat were blessed with three children, Selena, Stephen and Christopher. Selena loved spending time with Stan whether it was at the hardware store or sitting in the garage watching him work on vehicles. Selena remembers Stan sitting by her side when she was sick, found her first job and always encouraged her to go to college. Stephen loved helping Dad around the house, fixing vehicles and riding motorcycles together. Christopher says that Dad taught him the rewards of hard work, dependability and kindness. When his son-in-law Jeff joined the family, Stan took him to get a pair of Harley Davidson boots to “officially” join the family. He especially enjoyed flea markets and antique stores with Jeff.

In addition to spending time with his family, Stan loved anything with wheels. Roller skates, motorcycles, trucks, cars, ATVs etc. He belonged to the Mustang Club and at one time owned six mustangs. He also could repair almost anything be it vehicles or a favorite toy. Stan and Pat were also known for the Christmas Train display they would put up every year. It was two levels and took up the entire living room.

Stan worked hard to provide his children with a Catholic education. Although not Catholic himself he had a strong faith and belief in God. He believed our purpose in life was to serve others. He led by example instilling in each of his children a strong work ethic and to quietly provide service to others. He snowplowed many driveways for neighbors or widows for free. He would pick up mail, run errands and check on elderly neighbors and family. Stan would also tow cars for those who didn’t have money and quietly pay the fee himself. His kindness, never for personal gain or admiration, simply because it was the right thing to do.

When grandchildren arrived, he would sit for hours watching Cinderella with Angela and Christal, playing Euchre with Ryan and checkers with Patrick. He lifted weights with Dominik and played basketball with Abagale. All grandchildren enjoyed trips for ice cream. Stan would do anything for his grandchildren.

Stan and Pat lived in Westerville, Ohio for more than twenty-two (22) years. They owned the carwash on State Street and County Line Road and Shades of Past antique store. Stan and Pat moved to the quiet village of Galena in 1987 where Stan served on the Planning and Zoning Committee for more than thirty (30) years.

In reflecting on Stan’s life, he fulfilled his values. He served his country, his town, his family, friends and neighbors. He worked hard providing for the comfort and care of his family and finally he Trusted in the Lord. Stan always said God provided him with a perfect life. Yes, he did.

Predeceased by his parents, Bernard Elmo Swisher and Guytanna Mae McClure, and his brother, John G. Swisher. Survived by his wife, Patricia Ellen Clark, Daughter, Selena M. Levitt (Jeffrey), Sons, Stephen C. Swisher and Christopher S. Swisher, Grandchildren, Angela Swisher, Christal Swisher, Ryan O’Dell, and Patrick Levitt, Great Grand Children, Dominik Swisher and Abagale Swisher, brother, Lynn E. Swisher (Sandy) and sister, Karen E. Swisher.

Funeral Service August 22, 2025, at Genoa Church, 7562 Lewis Center Road, Westerville, OH 43082. Visitation from 10am to 11am. Funeral Service at 11am. Reception with food and refreshments immediately following the service in the Genoa Church Chapel.

The family would like to thank the Inn at Bear Trail, Lewis Center, OH and Care360 Hospice for their kindness and excellent care.

In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated for Stan’s favorite charities, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, St. Jude’s’s Children’s Research Hospital or Care360 Hospice.