Condolence
Merl Dean Swihart
Condolences
October 7, 2015 at 4:03 pm
I grew up knowing Merl and Edna from The Assembly of God Church and of course LJH. He always knew who I was and would always ask about going to church . He was a true man of God. May he rest in peace. My thoughts are with you
Nancy " McHargue " Ames
Plymouth, In
October 7, 2015 at 4:30 pm
Merl was such a kind man. Always remember the great times and memories made over the years. He touched so many people.
Neysa McFarland
Surprise, Az
October 7, 2015 at 5:52 pm
I saw merl at ponderosa not to long ago he was as talkative as ever we talked bout him using the 2 broom method to sweep the hallway and how proud he was of Dean whom I was in boy scouts troop 257 with Dean Plymouth lost a valuable member of the community u will be missed merl
Nathan Pittman
culver
October 7, 2015 at 5:59 pm
dean and Jackie you have our prays if you need anything just let us know
sue and derald borton
Michigan City, INDIANA
October 7, 2015 at 6:05 pm
We were so sorry to hear the news about Merl. Kiler taught at Lincoln Jr High and got to know Merl very well and enjoyed talking to him. Over the years, Merl would call Kiler and talk about a Biblical, history or world events topics. My kids loved talking to him in the hallways at the Jr Hi. He will truly be missed and was a wonderful caring person.
Kiler and Brenda Richards
Plymouth, Indiana
October 7, 2015 at 6:05 pm
Merl was the best neighbor you could ever have. Merl always treated everyone with respect and kindness. Truly a nice man.
David Dunfee
zellwood, Florida
October 7, 2015 at 6:14 pm
What a nice man! I have only positive memories of Mr. Swihart from Lincoln Jr. High back in the '80s.
Sara Flickner Houlihan
October 7, 2015 at 6:37 pm
Our thoughts and prayers to the Swihart family.He was a great man.
Kevin Kersey
Plymouth , in
October 7, 2015 at 7:21 pm
Mr. Swihart was a very special man. He'll be missed by all of the many past students of Lincoln Junior High that he always greeted with his wonderful smile.

We're keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Carol (Smith) Finkbiner
Plymouth, IN
October 7, 2015 at 7:37 pm
Edna,

So sorry for your loss. Merl was a one-of-a-kind! He was a great Big Red fan! We are going to miss him.
John and Sharon Scott
October 7, 2015 at 7:53 pm
As a Jr High student, I often had to wait for my parent to get off of work to come pick me up. I learned how to fold the flag from Mr Swihsrt. He often hung around so I didn't have to wait by myself. He was a great Christian man.
Deb Dixon (Pearish)
Versailles, In
October 7, 2015 at 8:19 pm
My deepest heart felt condolences to the family of a great man who left a positive impact on an entire community. A great man walks with the Lord today. -Steve Feliciano PHS class of 1987
steve Feliciano
October 7, 2015 at 8:22 pm
I first met Merl at Lincoln School where I was enrolled in a special 5th grade class that was first of its kind for Plymouth. No other 5th graders were there, just this one with a brand new teacher Mr. Mike Mercer, who had just graduated college and was on his first teaching assignments! I continued there for 6-8th grades and became good friends with our custodian Merl Swihart... Over the years I played in my own bands and did many concerts & dances over in Centennial Auditorium. I also did sound production work for gatherings such as Marshall County REMC meetings and the Annual Miss Plymouth Contests and many other meetings & celebrations. It was always only possible with the ever dependable Merle...whom I always called to gain early entrance for set-up of my sound equipment & amplifiers & gear. He was always available and on time. He even offered to help load and unload, though I had it covered personally.... Myself and many others will always appreciate Merl & forever hold him in our fondest memories & loving thoughts!!!
Lawrence Everett Truman
Patterson, New York
October 7, 2015 at 8:29 pm
A nicer man I have never met. Rest in peace good and faithful servant.
Tina Kaser Morales
Plymouth, IN
October 7, 2015 at 8:51 pm
Edna, Anna and Dean, your father made such an impact on us. He was the major reason we stayed after our visit. He showed his love for God and love for people. We love your dad, and all of you. Thank you for sharing him with the world.
Penny Saulmon
October 7, 2015 at 9:27 pm
May you all hold your family memories dear of your time with Merl in the days to come. God bless the Swihart family. Our prayers and condolences are with you all .
David and Tracey Morris
Palm Coast, Fl
October 7, 2015 at 9:29 pm
Mrs.Swihart and the entire Swihart family, prayers for strength during this sad time. There has not been a time when neither you, Mrs Swhiart, or Mr Swihart has not remembered me as your student. My respect and admiration for you both has carried on throughout my life beginning with your kindergarten class at West School. I am so sorry for your loss. His caring and nurturing soul will truly be missed. Godspeed.
Jacki Garrison Larimore
Plymouth
October 7, 2015 at 9:29 pm
So sorry to hear of his passing. Was a great man, always nice and always had a smile. Prayers go out to his entire family!
Alfred Listenberger
October 7, 2015 at 10:18 pm
Nothing but great memories of Merl. Thank you Mrs. Swihart for sharing him with us. I will never forget him Lloyd Fish
Lloyds fish
Plymouth , In.
October 7, 2015 at 10:52 pm
Plymouth lost a son, veteran, and someone who truly cared about people. He will be missed, but not forgotten. To all the Swihart family so sorry for your loss.
Eric Keilman
Plymouth , In
October 8, 2015 at 12:45 am
Edna and all:

This man, Merl, was an icon in Plymouth! Many days when I arrived at my office in the snowy months, Merl would have already cleaned the sidewalk of snow...in his early 80s! He would often come into the mayor's office and just want to talk...whether it was politics, what the State Rep or Congresswoman Jackie W. was doing, his family, Christianity, the old times or life itself, he always made my day!

I pray that God will bless the family of this fine America Veteran!

GodSpeed, my friend!
Mark Senter
Plymouth, Indiana (IN)
October 8, 2015 at 1:55 am
Edna & family,

We were so saddened to hear of Merl's passing. He will be missed by so many. Please know that we have you all in our thoughts and prayers.


Bill&Shirley Hilliard
Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Shirley Hilliard
October 8, 2015 at 3:18 am
In the 60's you could always count on a warm smile from Merl when walking the hallways of LJH, being a kid back then that meant a lot to all of us. Such a man of God who now will get to walk the streets of gold. Prayers are being said for the Swihart family. Thanks for the memories.
Dale & Dorothy(Ganshorn) Heflick
Dorothy Heflick
Plymouth, IN
October 8, 2015 at 7:26 am
My first encounter with Merl was at LJHS? Came to town, started subbing forHershel Towns and met Merl. He had a keen mind of memory, dedication to his job, and always cared about the students. Never remembered his missing a BB game. He touched many people and his memory will be around for those of us who cared about "community".

To Edna and Anna , who I had the privilege of subbing for, may you have peace, love, and happy memories.
Shirley Gidley
Plymouth, Indiana
October 8, 2015 at 10:03 am
Oh Anna-I so remember your dad from LJHS in the late 70's. God Bless you all and so very sorry for your loss.
Bonnie Rogers
Tennessee
October 8, 2015 at 11:13 am
It is a sad day indeed to read about Mr. Swihart. I have fond memories of him waltzing through the school and helping every student to become a better person.
Jennifer Krou
Austin, Texas
October 8, 2015 at 12:08 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with my Trinity family. I have many fond memories of trips to church camp in the RV with Merl and Edna.
Jackie Newkirk (Beam)
Mays, IN
October 8, 2015 at 2:25 pm
I have many fond memories of Merl but one of my favorites is him teaming up with my dad - Bob Hileman - to bring the One Great Scorer sign from Centennial Gym to the new gym. It took some convincing but dad and Merl were persistent and I love looking at it hanging high on the balcony overlooking the PHS gym. His life epitomizes this saying:

"For when the One Great Scorer comes
To write against your name,
He writes ? not that you won or lost ?
But how you played the Game."

Game played well Merl - very very well..... Thanks for touching our lives, those of our children and so many others' lives as well. This is not farewell - but see you again in heaven. Sure you are loving your reunion with Merl Jr:)
Judy and Mike Delp & Family
October 8, 2015 at 3:32 pm
My deepest sympathy to the Swihart family. I remember him from LJH so many years ago. He truly was a kind hearted man and as others have stated he always greeted you with a smile and a friendly word. Being from the country area and having went to West school, it was a big transition going to LJr. HS. Mr. Swihart made the place more welcoming. It was amazing to read about all his life accomplishments. He truly touched so many lives and lived life to its fullest.

God Bless you all and comfort you in your loss.
Freida Conn
Argos, Indiana
October 8, 2015 at 5:20 pm
I know my late wife, Marilyn Rose (Shoemaker) Winter would have wanted me to send our Christian sympathy to the Swihart family. May God encourage you and carry you along especially during these days.
Rev. Charles H. Winter
Sunnyside, WA
October 8, 2015 at 6:00 pm
Dean and Jackie, so sorry for your loss.
Jeanie Metzger
October 8, 2015 at 9:33 pm
am so sorry to hear of merl's passing
doris vermillion- kissner
knox,, in.
October 8, 2015 at 11:05 pm
So sorry to hear about Merl. He would always speak to me and ask how my job search was going. I so appreciated his concern. Then later I taught with Edna. Your whole family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Valna Stettler
Plymouth, IN
October 9, 2015 at 9:27 am
To the Swihart Family,
I was sad to learn of Merl's passing. I remember him in the halls of Lincoln Jr. High. His smile and personality made the transition to middle school so much easier. He always was willing to help a student that was in need. It was obvious that he lived by the teachings of our Lord in his actions. Thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Ken Shilt
LaPorte, IN
October 9, 2015 at 2:20 pm
Always a smile on his face. That's how I will remember Merl. My sympathies to you Dean and your family for your loss. What better thing could be said about your Dad than that he faithfully loved and served his Lord! No one who knew him would doubt that.
Tim Goode
Rochester, IN
October 10, 2015 at 12:52 am
So sorry to hear of this. Merl was such a loving member of the church. I remember Merl and Edna driving us to church camp because our parents had to work. He always had a smile on his face and something nice to say. He will be missed.
Jill (Carlton) Satterfield
October 10, 2015 at 12:16 pm
So sorry to hear about your loss. My prayers are with you.
Melanie Jones
Plymouth, In
October 10, 2015 at 5:36 pm
What an amazing life! I will never forget the kindness he always forwarded to everyone he came into contact with. His positive affect and kindness helped me get through the difficult years of middle school. It was always comforting coming into contact with him as you left feeling better after having been around him.

The world lost a great person.

Phil Wendel
Beirut, Lebanon
Phil Wendel
October 11, 2015 at 10:55 am
To the Swihart Family:
You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. I was blessed to know this remarkable man not just as neighbor, but, also my friend. He will be greatly missed. I am grateful for the many wonderful memories I will hold in my heart forever. He was a great example of how we should all strive to live and to treat others. Merl touched so many lives and not just human. His feline pal Tyler will miss him as well. The unique friendship formed between the two was perhaps only understood by them, yet it was always a joy to witness their antics. May your memories of him give you great comfort.
Julie Morris
Julie Morris
Plymouth, IN
October 12, 2015 at 2:48 pm
Dean & Jackie,

Please accept my sincere sympathies for you both and your family. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathryn Castle
Monticello, IN
October 15, 2015 at 1:14 pm
to Dean and Jackie,
We wanted to send our prayers and sympathy on the loss of Dean's Dad. We never knew your father but from reading his obituary discovered he was one incredible man! We could have known because Dean is walking in his Dad' s
Footsteps. May all the memories and love of your Dad carry you through your grief and sorrow at losing him and may Jesus hold you close always!! Love and prayers, Vicki and Dave Niswonger
Vicki Niswonger
Granger, IN
October 18, 2015 at 8:50 pm
I knew Mr. Swihart at Lincoln Jr. High School, and he had a lasting impact on me. He was a great personality in the school because he got to know so many people, from the principal to the newest sixth grader. He treated everyone with respect, and he was interested in everyone. In that way, he was a great role model. He also strived for excellence in his work, and that was clear to anyone who watched him take care of that old building. He was a fine role model in that way too. He had a great and lasting influence on many who passed through that school.

Jon Laramore
Indianapolis
Jon Laramore
Indianapolis

 

| Send Condolence | Back to Obitiuary |

| Home | History | Staff | Burial Packages | Cremation Packages |  Merchandise |

| At Death | Pre-Planning | Aftercare | Sympathy Gifts | Send Flowers |

| Obituaries | Charities | Area Cemeteries | Our Location |  

 

 

Johnson - Danielson Funeral Home

1100 N. Michigan Street
Plymouth, Indiana  46563
(574) 936-2829


Fax:  (574) 936-6160 


Johnson Danielson Logo


Home History Staff Obituaries Sympathy Gifts Send Flowers Pre Planning At Death Aftercare Burial Cremation Merchandise Charities Area Cemeteries Veterans Our Location

HtToaL Have a Talk of a Lifetime

Plymouth_Logo_Small Positively Plymouth Video

PCSC_Logo_Small Plymouth Community School Corporation

Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America