Carl T. Swift, 94

Carl T. Swift, 94 years, of Auburn, and a long-time resident of Hamilton, passed away Tuesday, August 13, 2019, in his residence with his wife of 72 years by his side.  Carl was born June 4, 1925 in Hamilton, Indiana, the son of the late Clay Eugene and Erba (Zieters) Swift.  Carl was a 1943 graduate of Hamilton High School.  He was called to service in the United States Army, on October 9, 1943, serving in WWII, in the Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe campaigns, attaining the rank of Sergeant and receiving a Purple Heart for wounds received in battle. Carl also received the EMEA Theater ribbon with four bronze stars, Bronze Star with one Oak Leaf Cluster.  He was discharged in 1945.  He married Carolyn Joan Diederich on December 29, 1946 in Auburn, Indiana and she survives.  Carl attended Ball State University attaining his bachelor’s degree in 1948, and his master’s degree in 1953. Carl then returned to serve his country in the Army once again, in the Korean Conflict.  Carl was a Superintendent of Schools serving the Delaware Community Schools, Pike County Schools and Hamilton School Systems.  He continued his efforts in education, serving as the Dean of Instruction for Ivy Tech at their Muncie/Anderson/Marion Campus.  He then served at Ivy Tech in Fort Wayne heading up a federally funded program, “Tech Prep” which he led for 12 years.  He was a member of the Peace Lutheran Church, Fremont, Indiana, the Hamilton Lions Club,  the Hamilton American Legion Post #467 and the Community Foundation in Angola.  Carl had a passion for anything to do with education, which is evident by his life’s work, but what he truly treasured was spending time with his family, especially his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and attending their academic and athletic events.  He was their biggest supporter.

Surviving is his wife, Carolyn Joan “Jo” Swift of Auburn; three children, Thomas E. (Alice) Swift of Hamilton, Michael A. (Tim Leonard) Swift of Indianapolis and Amy J. (Henry) Shrack of Greentown, Indiana; son-in-law, Robert Waddle of Indianapolis; eight grandchildren, Kelly (Chuck Dull) Swift, Brian (Heather) Swift, Amy (Adam) Henderson, Carrie (Pavel) Sokolov, Kimberly (Dan Tritch) Shrack, David (Shenna) Shrack, Danny (Sarah) Waddle and Rob (Laura) Waddle, 14 great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter.  He was preceded in death by parents, one daughter, Patricia A. Swift Waddle; three brothers, Fred E. Swift, Glen A. Swift and Kenneth E. Swift.

A Gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in Peace Lutheran Church, 355 East State Route 120, Fremont, Indiana where Memorial Services will begin at 12:00 noon with Pastor Jeff S. Teeple officiating.  Private graveside services will follow in Hamilton Cemetery with Military Graveside Rites accorded by the Hamilton American Legion Post #467.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions be made to Wee Creations Preschool and Daycare, Care of: Peace Lutheran Church, 355 East State Route 120, Fremont, Indiana 46737.

Condolences may be sent to the family or the online guest book may be signed at www.oberlinturnbull.com