Thomas S. “Tom” Swaim, age 78, of Fairborn, Ohio, passed away Saturday December 6, 2014 in the Hospice of Dayton. He was born January 11, 1936 in McArthur, Ohio, and was raised by his grandparents, Judge and Mrs. Art Lesser in Jackson, Ohio.
While in high school he played in the All Ohio Boys’ Band for two years, graduating in 1954 from Jackson High School; and followed with service to his country in the U.S. Army in Okinawa, Japan. Tom earned his bachelor’s degree from Rio Grande College and master’s degree from Wittenberg College. He was hired by H.K. Baker and served his entire career with the Fairborn City Schools as a teacher, principal, coach, and athletic director; retiring after 32 years of service.
Following retirement he continued his service to his community and school system as a member and past president of the Fairborn Board of Education. Recognized for his commitment, he was inducted into the Fairborn City Schools Hall of Honor in 2002.
Tom was a longtime member and elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Fairborn; enjoyed volunteering at the National Museum of the USAF; was named Man of the Year by the Fairborn Jaycees; served on the board of the Greene County Council on Aging and on the Greene County Career Center Board of Education; played in the Fairborn Civic Band; was a member of Phi Delta Kappa; and was a past king of the Fairborn Sweet Corn Festival.
Tom was preceded in death by his father and stepmother, Joe and Maxine Swaim; his mother, Mary Swaim; and a sister-in-law, Norma Wevurski.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Janet; a daughter, Kelley (Darryl) Niven of Portage, MI; two grandchildren, Paige Niven and Grant Swaim Niven; two brothers, James (Connie) Swaim of Tampa, FL, Robert (Pat) Swaim of Circleville, OH; and brother-in-law, John Wevurski of Fairborn.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, December 14, 2014 from 3 to 6 p.m. in the First Presbyterian Church of Fairborn, 1130 Highview Dr., Fairborn, where a funeral service will be held on Monday December 15, 2014 at 10 a.m. with Rev. Karen Cassedy officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the Byron Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton or to the First Presbyterian Church of Fairborn. Arrangements are in care of Belton-Stroup Funeral Home, Fairborn. Condolences may be made to the family at www.BeltonStroup.com