Philip C. Swinford

Philip C. Swinford, 80, of Fort Wayne, passed away on Saturday, April 2, 2011. Born on Sept. 2, 1930, in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Elby and Marguerite (Cook) Swinford. As a boy, memorable summers were spent on the old family farm in Oakland, Illinois with his grandparents. He graduated from North Side High School, where he met his wife, Jackie. After completing their degrees at Indiana University, Bloomington, they returned to Fort Wayne to raise their family of four sons. He committed his life to community service spending his entire career as a teacher of English and Spanish at Kekionga Junior High School. Especially valued were his years teaching night school at the old Central High where he taught English as a second language for new immigrants to the area, as well as helping many others obtain their GED. He dearly loved his wife and family, and was a true friend. He was always one to lend a helping hand to anyone that needed it. With family and friends, he enjoyed many an adventure, including long distance bike rides, Chicago museums, western ghost towns and late night euchre parties. He also enjoyed mechanical things and spent countless hours working on automobiles, bicycles, and boats as well as a lifelong struggle with keeping the basement drained and dry. “The old teacher and always helpful guy will be missed”. He is survived by his four children, Joseph J. (Danielle) Swinford of McCall, Idaho, Thomas O. (Brittany) Swinford of Indianapolis, Peter A. Swinford of Milwaukee, Wis., and Benjamin E. Swinford of Fort Wayne; nine grandchildren, Keefe, Melissa, Sierra, Skylar, Shay, Lucy, Nicole, Magen, and Thomas; and four great-grandchildren, Blaine, Jackson, Mikayla, and Ayden. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jacqueline Swinford, in 2009. Funeral Service is 10:00 am Saturday, April 9, 2011 at Klaehn, Fahl and Melton, Wayne St Chapel, 420 W. Wayne St. Visitation is 4-8 pm Friday at the funeral home. Burial in Highland Park Cemetery. www.klaehnfahlmelton.com