Rev. Howard V. Swink Sr.

In 1956, Howard married the love of his life, Connie Alice Swink. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and service. Howard proudly served his country in the United States Army for 25 years. Following his military career, he answered God’s call to ministry and became a Southern Baptist minister, dedicating his life to preaching, teaching, and shepherding others in faith.

Howard and Connie’s journey took them to Edgewood, Maryland, where they raised their four children. In 2000, they retired and spent 20 years in the Lost Lakes community in Cocoa, Florida, before spending their final years with family in Columbus, Ohio.

Even in retirement, Howard continued to serve others. For 15 years, he volunteered with the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program, helping members of his community prepare and file their tax returns. He found great joy in supporting his neighbors in this meaningful way.

Howard was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend. He was also a cherished member of North Point Baptist Church in North Merritt Island, Florida. Howard and Connie faithfully attended church and lived by God’s word, trusting in His promises throughout their lives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Rethel Swink; his brother, Norman Swink; his beloved wife, Connie; and his daughter, Dottie (Doug) Schoemaker.

He is survived by his brother, Lynn Swink, and sister, Mary Radford; three children: Howard V. (Kim) Swink Jr., Catherine Nocar, and Mary (Scott) Valis; 13 grandchildren: Melyssa Nocar, Seth Jackson, Johnny Nocar, Bryan Smith, Josh (Amie) Jackson, Christopher (Marissa) Nocar, Abby Swink, Jacob Swink, Tim Valis, Anngela Schoemaker, Sam Valis, Adam Valis, Daniel Schoemaker; and 11 great-grandchildren: Austin, Zachary, Kaydence, Maddox, Lincoln, Able, Adeline, Kora, Briggs, Banks, and Violet.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 17 at Karl Road Baptist Church, 5750 Karl Road, Columbus, OH 43229, beginning at 4:00pm. Following the service, friends are welcome to gather for a meal and to continue to share memories.

He will be forever in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Ohio’s Hospice:

(https://www.ohioshospice.org/give/) - In Memory of Howard V. Swink Sr. and Connie A. Swink.

A Word to Remember

“Life is a book of memories we start writing early to be read over and over again. Happy is the person who enjoys what he has written even when he is old.”

— Rev. Howard V. Swink Sr.

Edgewood Baptist Church

August 19, 1990