Harold L. Swischer

Harold L. Swischer, 97, Nevada, passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2009, at Nevada Regional Medical Center in Nevada following a lengthy illness. He was born Jan. 17, 1912, in Moline, Kan., to Benjamin Swischer and Grace Lynam Derby Swischer. He married Doris Rader on March 12, 1937, in Kansas City, Mo., and she preceded him in death.

Harold grew up in Granola, Kan., and Chanute, Kan.. He was a graduate of Westport High School in Kansas City, Mo. He graduated from Park College, the first to graduate with a Music Performance degree. Harold worked most of his life for Boeing Aircraft. Later, he worked for the United States Government Services Administration in Washington, D.C., retiring at the age of 71. Harold came to Nevada in 1980 from Washington, D.C., He was a skilled concert violinist and continued to play the violin until age 95. He loved his flower garden, especially the iris, his dog Zippy, and his family.

Survivors include three sons, Frederick R. Swischer, Kansas City, Mo., Nicholas L. Swischer and his wife Beverly, Nevada, and Anthony H. Swischer, Olathe, Kan.; four grandchildren, Jamie Swischer, Olathe, Kan., Tammy Farris and her husband Troy, Kansas City, Mo.; Kelly Bennett and her husband Curtis, Tulsa, Okla., and Corey Swischer and his wife Stephanie, Nevada; eight great-grandchildren; very special friends, now family, Marie McCullough, Mike Turnbull, Paula Matherly and Lavon Posey. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and most recently his faithful companion, Zip.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., on Thursday, May 14, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada. Friends are invited to join the family on the patio at Casa Azteca following the service for a celebration of Dad's life and sharing of memories.

Those who wish may contribute to the Vernon County Cancer Relief in care of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.