Michael W. Swisher (73) of Willow Hill

Michael W. Swisher, 73, of Willow Hill passed away Saturday, April 1, 2017 at the Magnolia Center in Robinson, Illinois.

Funeral services celebrating Michael’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 4 at the Crain Funeral Home, Newton with Pastor Al Malo officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service on Tuesday. Burial will be in the Vanderhoof Cemetery, rural Newton. Memorials in honor of Michael may be made to the family.

Online condolence may be offered by clicking here.

Michael was born on June 6, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois the son of Oscar and Treca (Chapman) Swisher. On May 27, 1961, Michael married Rowena Marie Price and she survives. Michael was a machinist for Cortelyou Machine Shop in Oblong. Michael was a lifelong member of the Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Willow Hill where he served as church clerk and song leader in earlier years. In addition to church activities, Michael loved watching NASCAR and gardening. He also enjoyed feeding the birds, bird watching, reading, singing hymns, and storm watching. In his younger years, he liked to bowl and play baseball. He enjoyed teaching his girls to play ball, taking the grandkids on golf cart adventures, and teaching them about birds and the weather. His favorite times were times spent with family.

Michael will be loved and remembered by his wife of fifty-five years Rowena M. Swisher of Willow Hill; five daughters Donna Jean Russell of Mattoon, Lisa Kay Nail, husband John of Toledo, Rhonda Lynn Swisher of Willow Hill, Michelle Lee Ferguson, husband Randy of Robinson, and Heather Dawn Graupmann, husband Doug of Robinson; five grandchildren, Ryan Eugene Ferguson, Adam Michael Nail, Shelby Noelle Ferguson, Alyssa Marie Graupmann, and Morgan Elizabeth Graupmann; brother Robert Edward Varvil, wife Sue of Indianapolis; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents and nephew Edward Varvil preceded him in death.