Mel Swihart, 66

Mel Wayne Swihart, age 66, of Sturgis, Michigan passed away Thursday, July 25, 2013 at his home. He was born November 27, 1947 in Sturgis, Michigan son of the late Nicholas M. and Maxine (Baker) Swihart. Mel was a lifelong Sturgis area resident and a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1966. Mel retired from the City of Sturgis Electric Department following 32 years of dedicated service as a Lineman. He had also worked at Garden City Grocery later known as Miller’s Grocery in Sturgis. He was proud to have served his country during the Vietnam War in the U.S. Army earning the rank of Sergeant. He was a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Mel enjoyed hunting, fishing, walking and horseback riding. He is survived by one son: Chris (Malinee) Swihart of Berrien Springs; one daughter: Beth (her fiancée Kirk Welden) Swihart of Three Rivers; four grandchildren: Cole Swihart, Trent Holtslander, Harrison Swihart and Connor Swihart; three sisters: Trudy (Bruce) Hurley of Bronson, Pamela (David) Frost of Mendon and Brenda Smoljo of Sturgis; one brother: Leonard S. (Ruth) Swihart of Kalamazoo and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter: Christina Swihart. A graveside service and burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday at the Burr Oak Cemetery in Burr Oak. The Rev. Calvin Kolzow of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis will officiate. The Hackman Family Funeral Homes – Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-2331 is entrusted with the arrangements. The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Swihart’s memory consider the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675.