John "June" Swecker Jr.

John “June” Meade Swecker, Jr., 87, of Blue Grass, passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at his home surrounded by family.

He was born in Blue Grass on May 13, 1932, a son of the late John Meade and Gladys Mae (Mullenax) Swecker. He was a 1950 graduate of Blue Grass High School and served with the U.S. Army 1954-1956. On September 22, 1960, he married Toby Sweet.

June was a member of Blue Grass United Methodist Church and was raised in the former New Church United Methodist Church where he served as the Sunday School Superintendent for many years prior to its closing.

A farmer, June was the fourth generation to operate the Swecker family farm in Blue Grass. Previously working at Aileen, he will be remembered as a “mechanical genius,” always trying to improve the efficiency of jobs and tasks at hand, as well as holding many patents.

He was a devoted husband and father, who loved to spend time with his grandchildren as well as Sunday dinners and drives. Above all, he will be remembered as a caretaker to all his family.

In addition to his wife of 58 years, Toby, he is survived by his son, Christopher John Swecker and wife, Tammy of Blue Grass; brother, Harry W. Swecker of Staunton; sister, Donna Blank of Harrisonburg; four grandchildren, Caleb and Holden Swecker and Adam and Molly Mobley; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by brothers, Randolph and Richard Swecker; and sisters, Charlotte Louise Arbogast, Edith Virginia Swecker and Jo-Ann Swecker.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Blue Grass United Methodist Church with the Rev. Andre Crummett officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Grass Cemetery.

The family will receive friends, 6-8 p.m., Friday, May 24 at the funeral home.

Active pallbearers will be Michael “Bus” Arbogast, Mark Arbogast, Carey Swecker, Gerald Blank, Kelly Sweet, Gary Jack, Jackie Will, Fred Frye and David Johnston.

Honorary pallbearers will be friends and neighbors in attendance.

Memorial donations may be made to Blue Grass Cemetery, 3042 Blue Grass Valley Road, Blue Grass, Va. 24413 or to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.