Harry Burl Swisher, 93, of Mannington, went to meet the Lord on Monday, June 7, 2010, from his residence. He was born November 21, 1916, at Mannington, the son of the late Harry Wendell and Mary Olive Hayes Swisher. Burl was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Helen Marie Abersold Swisher on March 1, 2004, their son Major Gary Alan Swisher on October 8, 1987, his sister Mary Gail Powell and brother Charles Dallas Swisher.
He is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Deronda Gail and Mark A. Efaw of Mannington, Pamela Marie and Robert Leezer of Davy’s Run, Katy Community; a daughter-in-law, Virginia C. Swisher of Surprise, Arizona; six grandchildren, Kimberly Leezer Himes and husband Michael, Kristen Marie Leezer, Matthew Bryan Leezer, Gary Lee Alan Swisher, Siera Ann-Marie Efaw, Brody Garrett Efaw; two sisters-in-law Juanita Swisher Lucky and Florence Palmer; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Swisher graduated from Mannington High School in 1936. His services in the Army Air Corps during World War II took him around the world to serve in the China/Burma/India, Pacific Theatre and back to Mannington in December 1944 where he married his sweetheart. He served in Atlantic City, New Jersey until his discharge in October 1945 when they returned to Mannington. Mr. Swisher worked for Bower’s Pottery in Mannington and retired from Westinghouse Electric Corp. with over 34 years of service on April 1, 1981.
Mr. Swisher was an avid craftsman and accomplished woodworker. He attended and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Mannington where he served on various committees and as a Trustee. Using his carpentry skills he crafted many items for the church including bulletin boards, podiums, and the large, lighted wooden cross in the sanctuary. He loved working in his workshop crafting wonderful items for his family and friends such as cradles for his daughter’s children, toys for his grandchildren, clocks, wooden vases, magazine holders, beautiful wooden rocking horses, and many items for his wife, the last of which was an old-fashioned pie safe. He crafted many items that will be handed down and cherished forever. He was a member of the International Union of Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers Local 627. Mr. Swisher also held a lifetime membership in the Marion County Senior Center and in the American Legion Post No. 40.
The family would like to thank the many people who helped Burl throughout his illness – his church family for their support and prayers; the caring members of the staff at Fresenius Dialysis Center for over five years of treatment including Dr. Karen MacKay and Sharon Senft; the exceptional care of Dr. George Higgs and therapist Nancy Metz and staff who eased his pain and improved his day-to-day life; the excellent care of Dr. Phillip Horner and Dr. Douglas Wolfe and their staffs; the wonderful care and services of the Marion County Senior Center especially Jim Phillips; and his at-home caregivers Norma Bock, and an irreplaceable caregiver Wilma Christner who treated him with the love and care of a family member and who will remain forever a part of his family.
Friends may call at the Masters Funeral Home, 209 Main Street, Mannington, WV on Thursday, June 10, 2010 from 2-9 P.M. and on Friday, June 11, 2010 from 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 P.M. in the funeral home with Pastor Greg Roth officiating. Burial will take place at Mannington Memorial Park Cemetery. Full Military Rites will be accorded by the United States Army and The Marion County Veterans Council at the graveside. Online condolences may be sent to the family at mastersfuneralhome.com.