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William Swihart

Portrait of an elderly man wearing a white cap, plaid shirt, and blue vest against a light background.
Bill Swihart

William "Bill" Swihart, 88, of Winfield, passed away at Hennis Care Centre in Dover on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, following a period of declining health.

Born in Sugarcreek, he was the son of the late Clyde and Laverne (Finzer) Swihart. He was a 1955 graduate of Sugarcreek-Shanesville High School and married the former Bonnie Stein on September 15, 1990. She preceded him in death on September 30, 2025.

He was a life-long dairy farmer who had a love for John Deere tractors, new and especially old. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Dover.

Bill is survived by his children, Ed Swihart, Doug (Lori) Swihart, Matt (Jen) Swihart, and Dan (Beth) Varner; stepchildren, Mitch (Michele) Stein, Greg Stein, Brent (Darlene) Stein, and Matt (Michelle) Stein; grandchildren, Justin "JR" (Cassie Hibinger) Swihart, Jory and Emily Swihart, Stephanie and Aaron Visounte, Braxton and Cayleah Fulp, Amanda and Tanner Guy, Zachary and Heather Swihart, Aaron, Kori, Joey, and Tommy Swihart; great-grandchildren, Brodie Swihart, Tabitha Key, Kellen and Jack Swihart, Gianna and Ellie Viscounte, Hunter and Easton Sanders, and Ethan Swihart; siblings, Thomas Swihart, Ruby (Gene) Duerr, Thomas Porter (brother-in-law), and Dale (Hope) Swihart; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Bonnie, he is preceded in death by sons, Steve, and Michael; sister-in-law, Thelma Swihart, sister, Janice Porter, and Sandy and Eric Maust.

In honoring Bill's wishes, cremation will take place. A Memorial Service was held at the First United Methodist Church in Dover on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 12:00 pm (noon). Pastor Wesley George officiated. A private family burial will follow at a later time. Friends were able to call at the church one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Bill's memory be made to First United Methodist Church, 1725 N. Wooster Ave., Dover, Ohio 44622, or to Ohio's Hospice at ohioshospice.org/give.

Smith-Varns Funeral Home in Sugarcreek is assisting the family with arrangements.