Rev. Jay Leon Swigart

The Reverend Jay Leon Swigart went to be with the Lord, Jesus, his wife Susie, and his other heavenly family on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023.

He was born on April 9 1942 to George Mitchell and Leona Louise (Aurand) Swigart at his grandmother’s house in McVeytown, PA.

After graduating high school, Leon went to McPherson College, earning a degree in philosophy and religion. He then went on to Elizabethtown College and Bethany Seminary where he earned the title of Reverend.

Leon married Susie (Leona Stains) on June 23, 1963 at the Burnham Pennsylvania Church of the Brethren.

He served the Lord for 50 years with his ministry to numerous churches and was a youth group leader for many of his earlier years. He was also the chaplain at the Pleasant Hill Nursing Home in Girard, for many years. He truly loved being with the residents back then and even “ministered” to other residents when he himself was a temporary resident at nursing homes in MO.

Leon loved to grow gardens, coach and umpire little league teams, serve as a substitute teacher in Illinois, participate in league bowling, sing in the church choir, and go fishing.

Leon spent every summer at his current church camp as a camp counselor and as a camper by attending men’s camp. He later served as the Dean of Camp Emanuel in Astoria.

Leon is survived by his daughters, Suzanne (Jesse) Tichinel of Middleburg, FL, Laura (Daryl) Wiles of Seymour, MO, Carolyn (Matthew) Wetter of Festus, MO, Janine Cuddy of Hillsboro, MO; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sister, Miriam (Jerry) Wachob of Ephrata, PA; brother, Harold (Nancy) Swigart of McClure; PA, sister, Jane (Don) Wagner of Providence, PA, several nieces and nephews.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents and his wife on May 28, 2022.

Visitation was held on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, at Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Girard.

Funeral Services were held on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023 at the Virden Church of the Brethren with Rev. Mike Eisenhauer officiating.

Burial will follow in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Girard.

Memorials may be made to Camp Emmanuel Astoria.

Visit davisandersonfuneralhome.com to leave condolences or light a candle in his memory.

Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Girard is in charge of arrangements.