Henry Francis Sweetman

Hank graduated from Cato-Meridian High School in 1967 and Potsdam College in 1971 with a B.A. in History and soon became a teacher for two years before transitioning into retail management. This change in career took his family to Cleveland, OH, Altoona, PA, and Jacksonville, FL. In 1983 he went back to school in New Jersey to become a computer programmer where he would ultimately work for Prudential Insurance and Fidelity Investments for several years. After moving to the Detroit, MI area in 1988, Hank started work with the Ford Motor Company. Following a family relocation to Nolensville, TN in 1991, Hank began working with Service Merchandise at their headquarters in Brentwood, TN. From there he would transition to become a supply chain manager for Nissan North America in Smyrna, TN.

After his retirement from Nissan in 2013, Hank and Martha enjoyed traveling and RV-ing extensively across the United States and to several countries with friends and family, where he would invariably buy a souvenir shot glass to add to his extensive collection. Hank took great pride in making his yard look like a city park and could often be found working in the yard and around the house. An avid reader, he especially enjoyed reading about and studying with a focus on history, especially WWII. Finding an outlet for his love of trains, Hank would eventually become President of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Historical Society, as well as the manager of the hobby shop at the Tennessee Central Railroad Museum.

Hank and Martha shared a love for square dancing, which is also how they first met. Hank would go on to serve a term as President of the Cumberland Valley Western Square & Round Dance Association of Middle Tennessee, as well as being the President of the Barnlofters Square Dance Club for over 20 years. Hank was also the Secretary of the Alabama chapter #152 of Campers & Dancers and recently became the President. He served as the Secretary of the Nolensville Masonic Lodge for several years. Hank especially enjoyed volunteering at the Nashville Symphony where he and Martha would enjoy live music.

Hank deeply enjoyed spending time with his children, stepchildren, and grandchildren. He has been Martha’s “rock” during several health issues and made his family’s life wonderful and complete. He was loved and appreciated by everyone he met.

Hank loved the Lord, and he served him in many ways. Hank has been a member of the Hermitage Presbyterian Church for 20+ years and has served on many committees as well as being a church elder. He especially enjoyed singing in the choir and bringing forth old hymns not currently in regular use.

Hank leaves behind his wife of 25 years Martha Sweetman, children Patrick (Katie) Sweetman and Susan Keough, stepchildren Mark Meyer and Mary Katherine (Andy) Brummett, grandchildren Audrey Keough, Amber Keough, Ellen Meyer, Anna Riley Meyer, Samantha (Dallas) Sheler, Savannah Brummett, Addison Brummet, brothers Robert Sweetman, James (Kim) Sweetman, and sister Donna (Dan) Hatzl. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry D. and Margeret Sweetman as well as his brother Thomas Sweetman.

A visitation for Henry will be held Sunday, April 6, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Hermitage Presbyterian Church, 421 Highland View Dr, Hermitage with a Masonic Rites service from 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM. There will also be a visitation on Monday, April 7, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the church with his Celebration of Life service immediately following at 12:00 PM. After the service, Henry will be laid to rest in the Garden of the Apostles at Hermitage Memorial Gardens, 535 Shute Lane, Old Hickory, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Tennessee Central Railway Museum or Hermitage Presbyterian Church in Hank’s honor.

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