Merle Swain, Sr

Merle A. Swain, Sr., 87, of Lancaster, passed peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, January 28, 2012.

Merle was a member of Sixth Avenue United Methodist Church since 1952. He was a well known and successful Lancaster business man, owner of Lancaster Hardware and Supply for 55 years. Merle was an honest, caring, and God loving family man who will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Merle is survived by his sons, Merle A. Swain, Jr. of Pleasantville and Tony S. (Pamela) Swain of Powell; grandchildren, Brian M. Swain (Chris Mabry), Doug (Lavonda) Swain, Cathy (Robert) Swain-Abrams, and Ryan S. (Mandy) Swain; great grandchildren, Catherine Swain, Allan Swain, Gillian Abrams, and Gavin Abrams; great great granddaughter, Wynnry Swain; brother, Ralph (Susan) Swain; and sister-in-law, Mary Lou Hall.

Merle was preceded in death by his wife and sweetheart, Patience S. Swain; parents, Charles and Laura Laurene Swain; daughter-in-law, Deborah J. Swain; brother, Lloyd Swain; and great grandsons, Justin Swain and Evan Swain-Abrams.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Wednesday at the FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME, Lancaster with Reverend Jesse Blevins officiating. Entombment will follow in Floral Hills Memory Gardens Mausoleum. Family and friends may visit from 2-4 and 6-8 pm Tuesday at the funeral home and 1 hour prior to the service on Wednesday.

Special thank you to the staff and nurses at Primrose Retirement Community and Central Ohio Hospice for their loving care. Also a special thank you to our loving aunt and care giver for our parents, Mary Lou Hall.

Donations may be made in memory of Merle to Sixth Avenue United Methodist Church, 1004 W Sixth Ave, Lancaster, Ohio 43130

Funeral Service

2:00 PM ,Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Frank E. Smith Funeral Home Chapel
405 N. Columbus St. Lancaster, Ohio 43130
Notes: Visitation 1 hour prior to the service.

Visitation

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM ,Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Frank E. Smith Funeral Home
405 N. Columbus St Lancaster, OH 43130

Visitation

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM ,Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Frank E. Smith Funeral Home
405 N. Columbus St Lancaster, OH 43130