Charles Eugene Swain, born June 20, 1932, answered to both his first and middle names. After a rough start, he was adopted at age three by Charles Henry and Susan Marie Swain, who moved from Huntington to Marion shortly thereafter. The boy soon proved surprisingly talented and intelligent. His skill with the clarinet, for instance, was such that his music teacher felt he could win a scholarship to the Juilliard School, a possibility in which his parents had no interest.
Charles was a cheerleader at Marion High School and graduated second in his class in 1950. He was also a cheerleader at what was then called Ball State Teachers College, where he majored in English, with minors in journalism, mathematics, and library science. He became managing editor of the student paper, The Ball State News, a member of the Blue Key Honor Society, and president of both Sigma Phi Epsilon and the Interfraternity Council. His prominent position in these and other collegiate organizations and honorary societies brought him the nickname “Keys.” He graduated first in his class from Ball State in 1954.
After college, Charles married his high school sweetheart, Joan Hedge. He taught English one year in Auburn, Indiana, before being drafted into the U.S. Army. He served most of his two years in the Counter Intelligence Corps at Fifth Army Headquarters in Chicago.
Charles returned to teaching in 1957, this time in Marion, where he taught math and eventually worked as assistant principal at both McCulloch and Jones Junior High schools. He got a master’s degree in education administration in the early sixties. After an illness in 1967, he struggled with diminishing health, but continued teaching until 1989.
Charles passed away on March 23, 2017, from a stroke and its complications. He’s survived by his sons, Andrew and Timothy, and by his grandchildren, Aedyn, Liam, and Shiva. He’d been largely homebound for years. At one time, though, he was a brilliant young man and a fine educator, admired and much liked by many.
At the family’s request, there will be no services. Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.