Richard “Dick” Swackhamer

July 30, 2017

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Richard “Dick” Swackhamer, 93, of Frankfort, passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2017 in his home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on March 16, 1924 in Clinton County to Lee Alexander and Dorcas (Reagan) Swackhamer.  He married Patricia Newhouse in 1948 and they later divorced.  He married Sandra Hauenstine on May 3, 1974 in Ft. Wayne and she preceded him in death on June 8, 2016.  He was a 1942 graduate of Jackson Township High School.  Richard served as a Corporal in the United State Marine Corps from 1943 to 1945 during World War II Pacific Theater in the Marshall Islands.  He earned his Bachelor Degree in 1948 from Canterbury College in Danville, IN and his Masters Degree from Butler University.  He taught at Fishers and was Principal at Durbin until becoming Principal of Kirklin in 1969.  He became the first Elementary Principal at Clinton Central in 1971 until his retirement in 1989.  He was a lifelong educator that loved children.  He also ran his own painting business called CC Paint Crew.  He painted with fellow teachers, students, and family for a number of years.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church.  “Swack’s” other memberships include the Frankfort American Legion Post #12, VFW Post #1110, Marine Corp League Detachment #967, and Moose Lodge #7.  He was an avid sports fan as both a participant and spectator at both the high school and collegiate levels.

Memorial donations may be made in “Swack’s” honor to the Toys for Tots Program through the Marine Corps League, Clinton County Humane Society, or First Baptist Church with envelopes available at the funeral home.

Visitation and Services

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at First Baptist Church in Frankfort.  Friends may visit from 4 – 8 p.m. on Monday, August 7, 2017 at First Baptist Church.  Pastor Chuck Williams will officiate.  Burial will follow in Green Lawn Memorial Park.

Survived by:

Survivors include his Sons:  Michael (Kathy) Swackhamer of Anderson, IN and Philip (Tammy) Swackhamer of Cicero, IN;  Daughters:  Michele (Robert) Dewese of Grand Rapids, OH and Maria Swackhamer of Frankfort;  Step-Daughters:  Joni (Steve) Anderson and Tina (Jerry) Ewing both of Frankfort, IN;  16 Grandchildren and 19 Great Grandchildren.

Preceded by:

He was preceded in death by his wife:  Sandy; brothers:  Morris Swackhamer and Clyde Swackhamer; sisters:  Alma Humburg and Joan Kingery;  granddaughter:  Whitney Anderson;  and a great granddaughter:  Mackenzie Shaffer.

Memorial Video

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Condolences

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23 Condolences for “Richard “Dick” Swackhamer”

  1. Jesusa Suzie Belmarez Gutierrez July 31, 2017 at 7:35 pm

    So sorry for your loss. He was the best principal I had in elementary. Mymom became great friends wth him, nd even taught him a few words in Spanish. He was a very sweet, loving, kind, giving man. He will surely be missed.

    Reply
  2. Doug & Donna White July 31, 2017 at 7:58 pm

    Sorry for your loss. Prayers for family

    Reply
  3. Meeka July 31, 2017 at 8:04 pm

    So sorry! I loved him from the first day I met him he just had that quality. He always would ask my mom about me after my accident and then when he would see me he would always light up 😊 He was a great friend

    will love and always remember you Dick

    Reply
  4. Becky and Dean Walker July 31, 2017 at 8:55 pm

    So sorry to see this. He was a great guy. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  5. Carolyn Dellingner July 31, 2017 at 8:58 pm

    So sorry for your loss and prayers are on the way for you and your family love you he will be missed

    Reply
  6. Kevin and Carol Hamilton July 31, 2017 at 9:02 pm

    He was a great uncle, educator, and friend to all. We all should have his zest for life. Love, Carol and Kevin

    Reply
    • Bonnie Mitchell July 31, 2017 at 9:42 pm

      I knew him in college in Danville, Indiana ! He had a wonderful career in education. Bonnie Gross Mitchell

      Reply
  7. Virginia Moulder Sigler. July 31, 2017 at 9:22 pm

    Mr Swackhammer was my typing and bookkeeping teacher at Good “old” Fishers High. Then he became a good friend after Bud Moulder was killed. Helped me get help for my oldest son James. Will always be thankful that he knew James needed help.
    Was just thinking about Dick today.
    RIP Mr Dick Swackhammer!! Condolences to the family that he left behind.

    Reply
  8. Mike & Cyndi Patterson July 31, 2017 at 9:40 pm

    So very sorry for your loss. Holding you all in our thoughts and prayers.
    Mike & Cyndi Patterson (in-laws of Michele Dewese)
    Bloomdale, OH

    Reply
  9. Mary Caldwell, Nolan July 31, 2017 at 9:46 pm

    Though I moved 26 years ago, I have a very appreciative memory of Mr.Swackhamer. He was my grade school principal at Clinton Central and a beloved neighbor. My condolences to the whole family. May God comfort you through coming days. May he give you peace.

    Reply
  10. Michelle July 31, 2017 at 10:57 pm

    i am so very sorry for your loss! He was my principle growing up and was always a very nice guy! May God comfort you during this difficult time! (Isaiah 41:10)

    Reply
  11. Jorga Ellen Moore August 1, 2017 at 4:44 am

    My condolences on your loss Phillip and Tammy.

    Reply
  12. Larry & Pat Newton August 1, 2017 at 8:09 am

    “Swack” was a great guy and touched many student’s lives while he was a teacher and Principal. He’ll always be remembered for his “Green Jacket” that he wore to many Clinton Central athletic events. We’ll keep his family in our thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
    • Douglas Schimmel August 2, 2017 at 5:37 pm

      I had almost forgotten the famous “Green Jacket”! Thank you so much for reviving the memory. Peace and love to you and yours. Douglas Schimmel, Class of 1986

      Reply
  13. Rhonda Musselman August 1, 2017 at 8:17 am

    I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

    Reply
  14. Carla Cole August 1, 2017 at 9:04 am

    Sorry for your loss. His impact will continue in the lives of his students/staff for years to come…and influence in the family for generations! May you find comfort in the rich stories and memories you share.

    Reply
  15. Ron & Erilda Coleman August 1, 2017 at 9:11 am

    Dearest Joni & Tina & Families,
    Please know we are lifting you in prayers of peace and comfort. Such a comfort to know God is with you through all the heartaches of sorrow. He never leaves us alone. His strength is lifting you as you pass through these waters. God Bless. Ron & Erilda – Foley, AL

    Reply
  16. Larry Seymour August 1, 2017 at 10:38 am

    Sorry Coach Swackhammer has passed. He was one of the best teachers I ever had. He was was a great person and a true gentleman. We have truly lost a great friend!

    Reply
  17. Kim L. Humburg August 1, 2017 at 12:26 pm

    Missing a GREAT guy. A wonderful uncle.

    Reply
  18. Richard and Sharon Wyrick August 2, 2017 at 11:23 am

    Dear family,
    We are so sorry for your loss. He did love children and was concerned about their lives. I remember how he’d give kids who needed some money little jobs so they could earn some change or money for a field trip. He was a good principal and made school a fun place to be while learning. Sorry we can’t convey our sympathies in person since we’ll be out of town.
    Dick and Sharon Wyrick

    Reply
  19. Douglas Schimmel August 2, 2017 at 5:33 pm

    Truly a legend among men. An avid educator and advocate for children who left an indelible mark on countless youth, myself included. I can still hear his voice reading the morning and afternoon announcements at CCE as if it were yesterday. That wry smile when he saw a student acting a fool, but let them off with “the look”. The kind and guiding hand to all of us young Bullpups, yet someone who was not to be trifled with. Mr. Swackhamer, you were a positive influence on me and untold others. May you rest in peace, and may your loved ones find peace in realising the role you played in shaking thousands of young lives.

    Douglas Schimmel—Clinton Central Class of 1986

    Reply
  20. Barb & Wayne Fausett August 3, 2017 at 8:55 pm

    Sorry for your loss. He was principal for my grandkids. He always amazed me when school let out and he stood every day and watched the students board the buses to the very last one, no matter how hot or how cold the weather. And he watched until the last bus was turned and driving away before he left the area. I had never seen anyone do that before. May God grant you all comfort and peace during this time. Love, The Fausetts

    Reply
  21. Tom and Laurenda Whitcomb August 6, 2017 at 11:37 pm

    A true gentleman who touched the lives of so many young people. Thoughts and prayers to the family.

    Tom and Laurenda Whitcomb

    Reply

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