Norman Blake Swatsworth, 84, of Clearfield died Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012 at the Clearfield Hospital. Born Feb. 23, 1928 in Curwensville, he was the son of Blake and Lyda Rachel (Middleton) Swatsworth.
Mr. Swatsworth was retired from the Clearfield-Curwensville Country Club as a groundskeeper after 28 years of service. Prior to that, he had been employed by PennDOT for 13 years and then by E.M. Brown of Clearfield for four years.
He was a member of the Centre Grove United Methodist Church in Hyde, was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and a former member of the Susquehanna Grange.
On June 20, 1950 at the Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church in Bailey Settlement, he wed the former Josephine A. Smay, who survives along with seven children, David A. Swatsworth and his wife, Karen of Curwensville; Susan A. Wallace and her husband, Daniel of Morrisdale; Debra L. Shaw and her husband, Ron of Woodland; Richard A. Swatsworth and his wife, Debra and William M. Swatsworth, all of Clearfield; Robert B. Swatsworth and his wife, Andrea of Etters; and Joseph S. Swatsworth of Atlanta, GA.
Also surviving are 12 grandchildren, Stephanie Gilbert, Michale Swatsworth, Jennifer Nash, Jeannine Wallace, Todd Shaw, Chad Shaw, Carrie Shaw, Barbie Jo Taylor, Dean Swatsworth, Douglas Swatsworth, Jared Swatsworth and Patrick Swatsworth; nine great-grandchildren, Jordan Gilbert, Logan Gilbert, Devin Swatsworth, Brittany Wall, Chloe Seigal, Gabriel Taylor, Maylee Taylor, Dean Swatsworth Jr.; and Luke M. Swatsworth; three sisters, Miriam Bailey of Rockton, Dollie Beckman of Olanta and Mary Lou Straw and her husband, Harrison of Tonawanda, NY; and a brother Clifford Swatsworth of DuBois.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Ronald Shaw Jr.; a great-grandson Caleb Lewis; a brother, Sherman Swatsworth; and a sister, Rosemond Bailor.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Centre Grove United Methodist Church, 1100 Village Rd., Clearfield, with the Rev. Dr. Randy M. Willis officiating. Burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Curwensville.
Friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home Inc. in Curwensville and from 10 a.m. until time of services Wednesday at the church.
Military honors will be accorded at the church by members of the Clearfield Honor Guard.
The family suggests contributions be made to the Centre Grove United Methodist Church, 1100 Village Rd., Clearfield, PA 16830.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.chidboyfuneralhome.com.
The Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home Inc. of Curwensville is in charge of the arrangements.