Merrill D. Swaidner, age 99, of Roanoke, passed away Thursday October 12, 2017 at 3:05 pm at the Heritage Pointe of Huntington. He graduated from Roanoke High School in 1936. He was a commercial contractor starting Swaidner Refrigeration in 1954 in Fort Wayne. He was a member of Seminary United Methodist Church since he was 6 years old. He was instrumental in helping start the Roanoke Farm League baseball. He enjoyed sailing and bicycling while wintering in Florida and Arizona. He was devoted to his family and always willing to lend a hand.
Merrill was born August 2, 1918, in Huntington County, the son of Oran and Pearl (Robinette) Swaidner. On August 26, 1939, he married his beloved wife of 74 years Florence A. Paul at her parent’s home, and she passed away April 14, 2014. He is survived by a son Lynn (Patricia) Swaidner of Roanoke, a daughter Pam (Jay) Sagers of Roanoke, daughter-in-law Anita Swaidner of Huntington, 6 grandchildren Tim (Rhonda) Swaidner, Scott (Sandy) Swaidner, David (Bridget) Swaidner, Mike (Melissa) Swaidner, Amy (Jason) Kissel, Kristen (Adam) Bell, 13 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren He was preceded in death by a son LaMar Swaidner, a sister Lucille Jones and a brother Dale Swaidner.
Visitation will be held Monday October 16 from 2-4 pm at Seminary United Methodist Church prior to the 4:00 pm funeral service at the church with Pastor Joshua Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery, Roanoke.
Preferred memorials are to Seminary United Methodist Church c/o Roanoke Memorial Chapel, 240 Crestwood Drive, Roanoke, Indiana 46783