Harold Raymond Swauger

Harold Raymond Swauger, 91, of Dover passed away on Friday, January 27, 2023, at Hennis Care Center of Dover.

Born in Dennison on December 28, 1931, he was the son of the late Ray Archie and Thelma Beatrice (Barr) Swauger. He was reared by Dave and Ruth Beans.

Harold attended Midvale High School. He honorably served our country in the United States Air Force from 1951-1955.

On December 26, 1952, he married Catherine Ann “Kay” Hughes. She preceded him in death on March 12, 2014. He was also preceded in death by his son-in-law, Dennis Whitson; sister, Violet Cecil; his brother, Paul Swauger; and his half-sisters, Helen Maurer, Mary Gervasi, and Pauline Loveday

Harold worked in many roles, including an aircraft Mechanic, auto mechanic, and a maintenance mechanic. He was the owner of Harold’s Auto Wrecking and he retired from Fleming Foods.

Harold was a Christian and was a member of Broadway Global Methodist Church. He had many hobbies including wood working, carpentry, remodeling, gardening, photography, and collecting.

Harold used every moment of his life to learn new things, to do for others, to worship in his faith, and to love his family and friends. He was a man of many talents and a lifelong learner. He could fix just about anything, and used these talents to fabricate whatever was needed. He fancied himself a “junk collector”. He had many collections. One of his most proud collections was of cups. He was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as having the largest number of coffee mugs. He had over 5,000.

In later years, he endeared himself to his many caregivers. He loved to read the newspaper out loud to anyone that would listen.

Harold leaves behind his three daughters; Kathy Whitson of New Philadelphia, Sue Anne (Jeff) Ellwood of Dover, and Rita (Ken) Hartman of Colorado; three grandchildren, Emily Hartman, Robb Hartman, and Nicole Whitson, two great-grandchildren, Gwendolyn Whitson, and Elise Hartman, along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends.

A celebration of Harold’s life will be held at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory of Dover on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 11:00 am with Ken Hartman officiating. Friends can call at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00-11:00 am. Interment will be later at East Avenue Cemetery in New Philadelphia. Immediately following the service, a meal will be served at the Broadway Global Methodist Church in New Philadelphia.

To sign an online guestbook for Harold, visit the obituary link on the funeral home’s website.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Community Hospice Truman House, 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663, or the Hennis Care Center Activity Fund, 1720 N. Cross St., Dover, Ohio 44622, and Broadway Global Methodist Church, 120 Church Ave SE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.