Allen Burton Swainston

Allen Burton Swainston

A Man with a Big Heart -

Allen Burton Swainston, age 83, of New Kingstown, moved on to his heavenly home on Thursday, September 12, 2019.  Allen was born on Tuesday, May 5, 1936 in Salt Lake City, UT to the late Warren Hughes Swainston and Esther (Burton) Swainston.  Allen was the widower of Elizabeth (Johnson) Swainston, whom he married on October 11, 1963, and who died on July 7, 2000.  In addition to his parents and wife, Allen is preceded in death by his sister, Madelyn Dilworth.

Allen’s survivors include his wife of 18 years, Loa Ann (Rager) Swainston; his five children: Warren Johnson Swainston and his wife, Deborah, of West Valley City, Utah, James Johnson Swainston and his wife, Anabel, of San Antonio, TX, Michael Johnson Swainston and his wife, Elizabeth, of Mechanicsville, VA, Robert “Rob” Allen Swainston and his wife, Alison, of Brooklyn, NY, Esther Lyn Tenny of New Kingstown; his three step-children: Ryan Priest of Mechanicsburg, Liane Kosmela of Baltimore, MD, Dani Jo Trusdell of Marietta, GA; his 14 grandchildren; his seven great-grandchildren; his sister, Geraldine “Geri” Maughan of Billings, MT; and many nieces and nephews.

Allen graduated from Charlo High School as part of the class of 1956 and from Weber University in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in Diesel Mechanics.  He retired from Roadway Trucking, after many years of service working as a shop supervisor and later retired from the Book of the Month Club in Mechanicsburg.  Allen was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Carlisle Ward in Mechanicsburg, where he served on two missions in California and Pennsylvania.  He was an active member of the Yellow Breeches Chapter of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen.  Allen loved to work with his hands, whether it was growing vegetables in his garden, working in his wood shop or making many kinds of crafts for Big Al’s Workshop.  He started the BSA Troop 295, chartered to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Camp Hill Ward, where he served as cub master and scout master for many years. Service to others and teaching others how to serve was a big part of Allen’s life.  His family will remember Allen as a teddy bear with a booming voice and a gentle giant with a huge heart.  He will be missed greatly by his entire family and all those who knew him.

All are welcome to join Allen’s family at his viewing on Wednesday, September 18, 2019, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, and on Thursday, September 19, 2019, from 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. with a service to begin at 11:30 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Carlisle Ward, 216 Skyline Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050; with Brother Jared Conley officiating.  Burial will immediately follow in Rolling Green Cemetery in Camp Hill, where military honors will be presented by the Cumberland County Honor Guard.  Allen’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at his church following the burial.

Contributions in celebration of Allen’s life can be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Carlisle Ward, 216 Skyline Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.

Allen’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Allen’s full obituary, view his memorial video and picture, and sign his official guest book at Buhrig.com.