William O. “Bill” Swathwood, 78, of Matthews, passed peacefully early Thursday morning, July 20, 2017, in Wesleyan Health Care Center, Marion, from complications of Parkinson’s disease.
He was born on March 21, 1939 in Lansing, Michigan, the son of the late Paul and Delma (Todd) Swathwood.
Bill graduated from Eastern High School in Lansing in 1957. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech and Drama from Asbury University in 1961. After teaching for two years in South Haven, Michigan, he returned to studies at Asbury Seminary, Wilmore, Kentucky in 1967. He also earned his Master’s Degree from Ball State University in 1972.
Bill married Rebecca Kibbey, on August 4, 1962, in Matthews, Indiana.
Together Bill and Becky were missionaries with One Mission Society for 35 years. They served in Taiwan from 1968-1982, The Philippines from 1984-1990, China from 1991-1993, and Hong Kong from 1994-2004. Bill taught English, directed drama performances, sponsored year book productions at school for missionary children. He also taught ESL.
Bill and Becky moved back to Matthews, Indiana from Hong Kong in 2004. He was a member of the Epworth United Methodist Church, where he taught various Bible studies & Sunday school classes after retirement. He also enjoyed reading, traveling, and gardening.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 55 years, Becky, Matthews; children, Dr. Todd (Shannon) Swathwood, and Tamara (Steve) Criffield, both of Anderson, South Carolina; a sister, Marilyn Simpson, Dryden, Michigan a brother, Kenneth (Sharon) Swathwood, Canadian Lakes, Michigan; six grandchildren, Katherine, Cameron, Sheridan, and Lauren Swathwood, and Maddie and Emma Criffield; a brother-in-law, Dick (Kay) Kibbey, Marion; and a sister-in-law, Ruth (Dr. James) Botkin, Marion, and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Troy.
Memorials may be made to Epworth United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 36, Matthews, Indiana, 46957 or to One Mission Society, P.O Box A, Greenwood, Indiana, 46142.
Visitation will be Saturday, July 22, 2017, 4-8pm at Armes-Hunt Funeral Home, Jones-Smith Chapel, 259 N. Main St., Upland, Indiana and an hour prior to the funeral service at the church. The funeral service will be Sunday, July 23, 2017, 3pm at Epworth United Methodist Church, 105 W. Eighth St., Matthews, Indiana.
Arrangements were entrusted to Armes-Hunt Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jones-Smith Chapel, 259 N. Main St., Upland, Indiana, 46989.
Online condolences may be made at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com.