Ervin Swartz, Jr.

Ervin Swartz, Jr. 85 of Bluffton passed away at 6:05 p.m. Sunday, May 29, 2011 at his residence with his family. Mr. Swartz was born on August 27, 1925 in Bluffton to Ervin L. & Bessie (Lash) Swartz, Sr. He graduated from Bluffton High School where he was given the nickname “Tootie”, which has stuck with him his entire adult lifetime. He served our country in the United States Navy, serving both in the Atlantic & Pacific. He served in the Battle of Iwo Jima and the Battle of Okinawa, and was present in the Harbor to witness Japan surrender. He returned home to marry Joan M. (Zimmerman) Swartz on September 7, 1946 in Garrett. They have shared the last 64 years together. He worked as a truck driver for Food Marketing for 40+ years. He was a 65 year member of the First Church of Christ, a life member of the American Legion Post #111 of Bluffton and the American Legion Post #253 of North Webster. He was a avid golfer, with memberships in the Parlor City Country Club and Timber Ridge Golf Course in Bluffton. He has a huge Bluffton Tiger fan, along with being a Chicago Bears fan and followed the Detroit Tigers. His greatest joy in life was his family. He is survived by his loving wife Joan of Bluffton, along with three daughters; Kay Lynn Andrews of Bonita Springs, FL., Rebecca Jo Swartz (life partner Michael Koken) of Fort Wayne and Julia Ann (husband Richard) Hinshaw of Bluffton. He was a very loving and devoted grandpa to grandchildren; Christine Vickery of North Webster and Laura, Rebecca & Katherine Hinshaw all of Bluffton, and two great-grandchildren, Joseph Feldman of North Webster & Caitlin Feldman Galway, Ireland. Ervin is preceded in death by his parents and brothers; Darrel, Lee, Donald, Eugene, Franklin, Virgil, Robert Swartz and a sister Marie Iser. Friends are invited to visit with the Swartz family from 11 to 2 on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at the First Church of Christ in Bluffton. Funeral Services officiated by Pastor Larry Sprinkle will be held at 2:00 p.m. following calling hours at the church. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Bluffton with Military Honors preformed by the American Legion Post #253 of North Webster and the United States Navy Honor Guard. Memorial may be made to the First Church of Christ. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the direction of the Thoma/Rich,Chaney & Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Friends can send online condolences to www.thomarich.com

Ervin Swartz, Jr.

August 27, 1925 - May 29, 2011