Venedocia; Dean J. Swygart, 85, of Venedocia, died at 3:25 AM Thursday, April 5, 2018 in the Lima Memorial Health System following a brief illness.

He was born January 8, 1933 in Van Wert County, the son of the late Edwin A. and Anna E. Jones Swygart. On March 23, 1953 he married the former Nancy Sue Shoup, who survives. The couple celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year.

Also surviving is a son; J (Karen) Swygart of Decatur, IN.; a granddaughter; Misty (Desmond) Redmond of Venedocia; two great grandsons; Dylan and Darren Redmond; a step-grandson; Jeff (Amanda) Schmitz and step-great grandson; Jaxon Schmitz.

Dean served his country as a member of the U. S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Berlin, Germany.

He was a lifelong farmer and a former York Twp. trustee. He was a long time member and had worked at the Bowersock Brothers VFW Post 6772 as a bartender in his retirement. He was a 54 year member of the Harry J. Reynolds American Legion Post 191, both in Spencerville.

He played fast-pitch softball as a fleet-footed, red headed outfielder for the Venedocia Merchants and in later years continued his love of the game by playing slo-pitch until well into his 50's. He enjoyed watching the Cincinnati Reds and Ohio State Buckeyes. He loved his family deeply.

Funeral services will be 11 AM Monday in the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville with Rev. David W. Howell officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Spencerville Veterans and the Army Honor Guard following the services.There will be no burial.

The family will receive friends from 2 until 5 PM Sunday and after 10 AM Monday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made the VFW or to the Van Wert Humane Society.

Condolences may be offered online at tbayliff@woh.rr.com