Wayne Swanger

Wayne Swanger

Always a Pleasant Person -

Wayne Swanger, age 87, of Enola, and formerly of Shippensburg, went home to be with his family in heaven on Thursday, December 19, 2019.  Wayne was born on Wednesday, July 20, 1932, in Shippensburg to the late Charles Edgar Swanger and Cecilia Elizabeth (Millhouse) Swanger.  In addition to his parents, Wayne is preceded in death by his great grandson, Frederick Swanger; his son-in-law, Mark Schwartz; his two brothers: Harry “Sonny” Swanger and Floyd Swanger; and his sister, Phyllis Kirby.

Wayne’s survivors include wife of 34 years, Margaret “Margie" Mary (Fantine) Swanger; his seven children: Wayne Herman Swanger and his wife, Mary, of Clarion; William Hazzard of Harrisburg; Don Hazzard and his wife, Mary Ann, of Shemans Dale; Darlene Schwartz of York; Teresa Nolt and her husband, Jeffrey, of Coudersport; Mary Hazzard and her husband, William Jones, of Slatington; Barbara Hazzard and her partner, Kim Bricker, of Shermans Dale; his eight grandchildren: Neal Swanger, Michael Nolt, Luke Swanger, Nicholas Hazzard, Jordan Hazzard, Tricia Stump, Vivian “Kathy Chataginer, Rebekah Nolt; his seven great-grandchildren: Jack Chataginer, Emile Swanger, Lydia Stump, Elizabeth “Ellie” Stump, Grace Chataginer, Gabriella Chataginer, Emma Chataginer; his six siblings: Don Swanger, Gerald Swanger, John Swanger, Richard “Dick” Swanger, Dale Swanger, and Janet Derrick; several nieces and nephews.

At a young age, Wayne began his long working life on the farm, then for two years at the foundry in Shippensburg, then for two years at in the warehouse at Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, then for over 35 years at Rakestraw’s in Mechanicsburg making ice cream, then for 13 years in environmental services at Holy Spirit Hospital, and finally for 13 years as a driver at Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Mechanicsburg.  Wayne had two major passions: his passion for time spent in the great outdoors, hunting and fishing, and his passion for team sports, especially football and baseball and specifically the Eagles, the Phillies, and Penn State University.  He will be remembered by his family and friends as a great guy, whose pleasant demeanor always brought a smile to the faces of others.  His family will remember him as a wonderful father, whose guidance helped his children become self-reliant and successful.

All are welcome to join Wayne’s family at his viewing on Friday, December 27, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:15 a.m. at Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Pastor Rebekah Nolt officiating.  Wayne’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at Buhrig’s Gathering Place (next to the funeral home) immediately following the service.  Burial will follow the reception in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Mechanicsburg.

Contributions in celebration of Wayne’s life can be made to American Heart Association, P.O. Box 15120, Chicago, IL 60693, www.Heart.org/Donate; or Claremont Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, 1000 Claremont Road, Carlisle, PA 17013; or SpiriTrust Lutheran LIFE, 1920 Good Hope Road, Enola, PA 17025.

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