Larry Keith Swogger

Larry Keith Swogger, 75, passed away Friday, March 9, 2012 at Aultman Hospital after a brief illness. He is survived by his beloved dog, Kiri. Larry was born September 2, 1936 in Canton, Ohio to the late Ralph Leroy Swogger and Hilda Winifred Small. He was a graduate of North Canton High School in 1954 and Mt. Union College in 1958. Larry was a lifetime member of Masonic Lodge 431, a life member of MENSA and a long time member of the North Canton Community Christian Church where he served as a deacon and sang in the choir. Larry was a unique and special man, created in the image of God. God sent him to us to teach us how to love each other.

He was employed by the Stark County Auditor from 1961-1964, ran Swogger’s Pet shop in North Canton and was a Professional Genealogist. He was a Past Master of Fidelity Lodge No. 712 and now a Life Member of McKinley Lodge No. 431, F & A.M, Past High Priest of Canton Chapter No. 84, R.A.M and Life Member of the Order of High Priesthood of the Grand Chapter of Ohio; Past Illustrious Master of Canton Council No. 35, R & S.M., former member the Grand Council Benevolent Fund Committee and Life Member of the Order of the Silver Trowel of the Grand Council; Past Commander of Canton Commandery No. 38, K.T. and Life Sponsor of the Knight Templar Eye Foundation. He was a Life Member of Ohio Priory No. 18, Knights of the York Cross of Honor and the Royal Order of Scotland, Provincial Grand Lodge of the U.S.A.

He was Past Worthy Patron of William Hoover Chapter No. 580, OES, Member of the Ohio Eastern Star Chorus and a General Chapter Choirs, 4 Times Past Watchman of Shepherds of Washington Shrine No. 16 and now member of McKinley Shrine No. 54, O.W.S.J., held the office of Deputy Supreme Watchman of Shepherd’s, served on several Supreme Committees and sang in Supreme Shrine Choirs, Past Royal Patron of Emerald Court No. 33 Order of the Amaranth, held the offices of Deputy Grand Royal Patron and Assistant Grand Lecturer of the Grand Court and sang in Grand Court Choruses.

He was a Life Member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite and sang in the Scottish Rite Chorus He was a member of Valley of Canton, Grand College of Rites, Ohio Lodge of Research, Ohio Chapter of Research, Twice Past Grand Tall Cedar of Cleveland Forest No. 70, Tall Cedars of Lebanon; Past Right Worshipful Master of Dwight E. Warehime Mark Lodge No. 3 in Pleasant City, Ohio, Shannon Council No. 33, Knight Masons of Ireland and the Philalethes Society.

He was twice Past President and Life Member of John Stark Chapter Sons of the American Revolution; Life Member of the General Society War of 1812 in Ohio, 3 Times Past Commander of the Ohio Department, 3 Times Past Commander of McClellan Camp No. 91 and Life Member of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Member of the Sons of Veterans Reserve, 3rd Military District and Past Governor of the Ohio Branch; Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims.

He was a Life Member of William F. Cody Garrison Army and Navy Union. He was a Veteran of U.S. Air Force.

He was a long-time member of the Republican Party, was a Precinct Committeeman and a Presiding Judge at the Polls; served on the Stark County Area Transportation Survey (SCATS) and a founding member of the Group Against Smoking Pollution (GASP) of the Lung Association.

He was a 55 year member of the Community Christian Church where he served as a Deacon and sang in the choir.

He was a member of McKinley Stamp Club for 50+ years and the Stark County Stamp Club. He won the Grand Award in many Annual Shows. He was a member of the George Washington Masonic Stamp Club of Alexandria, VA.

He sang in a performance of an Original Oratorio with the Kansas City Symphony; the Canton Symphony Orchestra Chorus and was a Performing Member of the MacDowell Club. As an artist, he exhibited in Canton and North Canton May Shows. He was a member of Metropolitan Opera Guild of New York.

The funeral will be held on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at the Karlo-Libby Funeral Home. Interment in Forest Hill Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday, one hour before services (12-1pm) at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Christian Church, music fund.