Paul G. Swanner, 87, of Gas City, passed away at 1:34 p.m. on Sunday, October 15, 2023, in his home surrounded by his family. He was born at Marion General Hospital on September 17, 1936, to French and Lois (Gallaher) Swanner.
Paul graduated from Mississinewa High School in 1955. He married Cora Jane Millspaugh on September 11, 1956, who preceded him on August 15, 2022. He was a member of Eastview Wesleyan Church.
Paul was a surveyor for the State of Indiana Highway Department for eight years while I-69 was being built. He then worked with his wife, Cora, in her family’s shoe store business, Shoe City and Lasky’s, in Gas City, Marion, Peru, and Wabash, starting in the mid 1970s until his retirement in 2010.
In high school, Paul held two track records at the same time, one for shot-put and one for the 440-yard dash. He was an avid runner and continued his love for running into his early 50’s, as he ran in many foot races. You could say racing was in his blood, as he was also the champion of slot car racing at Turner Raceway and enjoyed riding motorcycles and his bicycle.
Paul loved being outside working in the yard. In his later years, he considered himself the unofficial custodian of the Gas City Park. He was very proud of the Gas City Park and Gas City Petting Zoo, and his favorite thing to do was to pick up trash to help keep the park and zoo clean and would even make sure he was there to pick up trash before and after community events.
Survivors include his children, Brian (Maryann) Swanner, Gas City; Greg (Stacy) Swanner, Marion; Mark (Robin) Swanner, Hendersonville, TN; Janie (John) Berry, Marion; Marty (Jamie) Swanner, Taylorsville, MS; Mitch (Carina) Swanner, Gas City; and Anna (Michael) Bartrom, Marion. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Cora Jane, his parents, French and Lois Swanner, and his maternal grandmother, Anna (Gallaher) Nose.
Viewing will be on Monday, October 23, 2023 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St., Gas City, IN 46933.
A funeral service to celebrate Paul’s life will begin at 12:00 pm with Rev. Ken Dykhoff officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, Gas City.
Donations may be made to the Gas City Petting Zoo at 211 E. Main Street, Gas City, IN 46933.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
To send flowers to the family of Paul, please visit our floral store.