William A. Swix

William A. Swix, age 78 of Stanton, passed away Friday, February 27, 2015.  He was born March, 26, 1936 in Lansing the son of William V. and Orpha (Hopkins) Swix.  Bill graduated from Sexton High School in 1954 .  He married Carolyn VanBlaricom and made their home in Lansing.  Bill was employed by the City of Lansing, retiring in 1988 as assistant supervisor at Potter Park Zoo.

Bill was a wrestler at Sexton, claiming 2^nd place in state in 103 pound class and 1^stplace in state in the 112 pound class the following year.

He was active for many years in several local bowling leagues.  He served as Assistant Scout Master Troup 294, Chief Okemos Council.  While involved with Boy Scouts he was inducted into the Order of the Arrow.

Potter Park Zoo was Bill’s personal interest as well as his career.  As a charter member of the Friends of the Zoo Society, he participated in many fund raisers and improvement projects to improve and maintain the zoo.

For the past 21 years, Bill and Carolyn have made their home at Half Moon Lake near Stanton. 

Bill is survived by his wife of over 61 years, Carolyn Swix; four children, Stephen P. (Christine Daggett) Swix of Big Rapids, Terri (William) Fowler of Sedalia, MO, Douglas (Julie) Swix of Lansing,  Diane (Kevin Roche) Swix Berry of Lansing; sister, Vicki (Skip) Loudenslager of Lake Odessa; brother, Gordon (Connie) Swix of Lansing; eight grandchildren;  Amy (Joe) Peters of Dansville, MI, Angela Swix of Chase, MI, Allen (Cindy) Fowler of Hobart, IN, Erik Fowler of Bowling Green, KY, Stephen (April) Swix stationed at Hunter Army Air Field in Savannah, GA, India Berry of Lansing, MI, Grant and Meagan Swix of Lansing; two great-granddaughters, Rachel Peters and Natalee Swix.  

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and son John L. Swix.

Funeral services will take place 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 5, 2015 at the Barden Funeral Home in Stanton.  The family will greet family and friends on Wednesday, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Burial will be at Elm Hall Cemetery.  Memorial contributions in Bill’s name may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Share a memory or leave a condolence for the family atwww.bardenfuneralhome.com or www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com

Comments

[Eric & Cathy Anderson]

We new Bill for many years. May god wrap his arms around you my friend.

[Domingo Villegas]

Dear Carolyn our condolences to you and your family on the passing o f your husmand Bill. We were your neighbors for about ten years. We ask gods blessing on you and family and give you strenght in the days ahead.
Domingo & Martha Villegas Family

[Sheila Jean Purvis]

Dear Carolyn I was sorry to read about the passing of Bill. My prayers are with you and your family. We worked at the Lansing School District for a few years before you decided to retire and really enjoy your life. Prayers for you and your family.

[Walt & Jenny Carter]

We have known Bill for many many years. Our deepest sympathy to Carolyn and the family. He was a good friend and neighbor and will be sadly missed.

[Bob & Donna Anderson]

We are saddened to hear of Bills passing. He was a good friend and Neighbor to my parents. He will be missed by many. Rest in peace my friend.

[Jan Brigham]

Bill was my supervisor at Potter Park Zoo. I am saddened to hear of his passing. He was a great person and so fun to be around. Carolyn, I hope you will be given strength during this hard time by the wonderful memories you have of Bill. My deepest sympathy to your whole family.
Jan Martin Brigham

[Babe Quintrall]

So sorry to hear about Bill's passing. There is never enough time with our loved ones, how comforting to know the hope God holds out for us at revelation 21:4 - "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." All the best wishes for your family at this time, take care of each other.