Barry Swartwout, 74

Lorenzo Barry Swartwout, age 74, of Three Rivers. On December 8, 2014 Barry was called home to play his final card game in heaven. Ever since his brain aneurysm in 1975 he has not been able to read or write. Luckily, the good Lord gave him the ability to play many card games. He became a Master Bridge player and had articles written about him in national Bridge journals.
One of his favorite hobbies was latch hook. He made rugs for each of the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
All who knew him would smile at his loud response of “sweet” to any happy occasion.
Gardening was another hobby and he was always betting on who would produce the first red tomato.
Barry is survived by his wife of 44 years,Jane and her 5 children; Mary Jo Stieglitz, Linda (Joe) Vanderheyden, Ann (Terry) Herschberger, Raymond Smagala (Janet Lembach) and Mark (Julie) Smagala and his sister; Mary Ann (David) Gifford, 13 Grandchildren and 11 Great-grandchildren, one niece and 4 nephews.
He graduated from Constantine High School and attended Hillsdale College and was in the Army reserves. He loved the Lord and was a member of Riverside Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Lorenzo and Anna Marie Swartwout and a brother, Tommy.

Barry has donated his body to U of M for research. He always said that U of M hospital saved his life following the brain aneurysm and he wanted to help others by the donation.
The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. until time of services at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 12, 2014 at Riverside Church 207 E. Michigan Ave; Three Rivers, MI 49093.

Memorials can be directed to Three Rivers Hospice or Riverside Church/Imagine 2 Project.