Kermit Gene Swartzwelder, 79, of Deering, died Thursday, Dec. 24, 2009, at his home. He lived his entire life in Deering on the family farm he loved so much. His parents were the late William H. and Olivia Rice Swartzwelder. He was preceded in death by one son, Carl Edward Swartzwelder.
Mr. Swartzwelder graduated from Coal Grove High School in 1947 and served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War.
He retired from Ashland Oil Catlettsburg Refinery after 40 years of service and spent the rest of his life as a farmer raising cattle and gardening. He was an active member of Jeffersonville Missionary Baptist Church in Coal Grove where he served as a deacon and choir leader.
Survivors include the love of his life, his wife of 59 years, Nancy Hammond Swartzwelder, whom he married July 28, 1950.; and his son, Scott Swartzwelder and his wife, Kay. Grandchildren include Brandon Swartzwelder and wife Brittany; Megan Tripp and husband Derek, Heather Swartzwelder, Aaron Stewart, Anna Jenkins and husband Jared. Great-grandsons are Sylas Swartzwelder and Kiser Jenkins. He is also survived by one brother, Ted Swartzwelder and wife Naomi; three sisters, Carol Waller and husband Ray, Patty Hyman and husband Ronald and Peggy Hardin and husband Ray, along with many nieces and nephews.
Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Jeffersonville Missionary Baptist Church in Coal Grove. Burial will follow in Highland memorial Gardens. Friends may call from 6-9 p.m. Monday at O’Keefe-Baker Funeral Home.