Melvin Swangin

Melvin Don Swangin was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. He was a carpenter, businessman, hobby farmer, sportsman and musician. His hard work and creativity not only kept him busy, it made him happy. He always had a project on-the-go, and when he could give away his crafts, he was all the more pleased. The adversity he experienced early in life seemed to strengthen his determination and his affections. He loved his family dearly and made life good for them.

Donalds story began when America was enjoying the peace and prosperity of post-WWII optimism and jobs were plentiful in a growing economy. Television was bringing the world into homes across the nation, and rock n roll music was being broadcast around the world. A future musician, Donald, was born November 22, 1956 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the son of Richard and Naomi (Sheckles) Swangin.

Tragically, Don lost both his parents at a young age. He was only six years old when his mother died and thirteen when his father passed away. For a short time he lived with his step-mother, but then his older brother Ronnie and his wife Sylvia took responsibility for him and his younger sister Kay. Thankfully, their care instilled in Don a deep love for family.

Don grew up in New Haven and Fort Wayne. He attended Homestead High School, where he met the girl of his dreams, Sue A. Gunkel. Unfortunately, Ronnie took a job and moved the family down to Florida, but Don kept the dream alive. As soon as he got his drivers license, he headed to Ft. Wayne and attended prom with Sue. Their romance grew into a committed relationship, and on January 4, 1975, Don married the love of his life. In 1977, they moved from Ft. Wayne to Huntertown, but by 1992 the family was back in Ft. Wayne and living in the house where Sue grew up. As their four children grew older, Don and Sue made their new home east of Columbia City nine years ago. Wherever he was, Don settled into a life of work and more work whether he was on the job or engaging his hobbies as a jack-of-all-trades.

At times, Don worked two jobs to support his family, which included working at B.F. Goodrich and Central Indiana Hardware. He had a few factory jobs, and on the side he did auto body work and painted cars. He was very proud of being a Landscape Specialist at Indiana Purdue of Fort Wayne. Then in 1999, he went full time with his home improvement business, Majestic Home Improvement. It was a good fit, because Don had always been skilled at woodworking and he loved doing it. He made gun cabinets, shelving, guitar stands and many more items as his family grew. He crafted rocking horses for all his grandchildren, and fitted each one with a baby item, such as a changing station, cradle or high chair. Oftentimes, he made items to give as gifts, and most recently delighted Sue with a very nice sleigh. In general, if Don could make something rather than buy it, he built it. The slight downside was that he never threw anything away just in case he could use it sometime in the future.

Though he always kept himself busy, Don took time for recreation. When the children were growing up, the family went camping and spent time at Lake Barbee, where Don liked to fish for bass and blue gill on nearby Kuhn Lake. Not surprisingly, Don made his own rod stands and fishing lures. He and his buddies took an annual September fishing trip to Shackamac State Park in Jasonville, Indiana. The tradition that started in 1992 was still going in 2014. Don was too ill to make the trip to southern Indiana in 2015, so a friend took him to his favorite local sports.

In addition to woodworking and fishing, Dons hobbies included animals, instruments and sports. At any one time, he was raising two or three head of beef cattle. He played guitar and was lead singer in two bands he started, Warehouse 30 and Power Play. Hailing from Indiana, he watched Indiana University and Notre Dame basketball. Most of all, Don enjoyed spending time with his family. He was happiest when he was with his wife and kids, and he adored his grandchildren.

In the spring of 2006, Don went through classes to become a Catholic. He was a member of St. Patricks Catholic Church in Arcola and the Knights of Columbus. The faith he practiced is the comfort his family knows as they mourn his death and cherish his life.

Melvin Don Swangin, 59, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away at 8:42 a.m. Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at his home. He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Sue Swangin; children, Vashawn (Jason) Prezbindowski of New Castle, Colo., Corey (Amanda) Swangin of Columbia City, Ryan (Kristen) Swangin of Columbia City and Jessica (Cory) Houser of Garrett; sisters, Lynn (Bill) Hale of Huntertown; Gail (George) Arnold of Lake Webster, Kay (Ken Simmonds) Smith of Aiken, South Carolina and Sylvia Swangin of Ossian; mother-in-law Mom, Ruby Gunkel; grandchildren, Jacob, Jordan, Emily, Alyssa, Cole, Grace, Kane, Ryan, Vance, Vaylin; and great-grandson, Lukas. He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law Dad, Marvin J. Gunkel; sister, Gwen Medrano; brothers, Ronnie and Dale Swangin; three infant brothers, Jimmy Wayne, Rick and Nicky.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 7, 2016 from 1 to 5 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City with a Rosary at 12:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday, February 8, 2016 at St Patrick Catholic Church of Arcola, 12305 Arcola Rd, Fort Wayne with visitation one hour prior. Father Tad Balinda will be officiating. Burial will follow at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in Dons memory to masses or to his family, I.C.O. Sue. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.