William Swecker

William Sterrett Swecker, 86, of Stuarts Draft passed away Saturday, March 10, 2012 at Shenandoah House. He was born March 15, 1925 in Blue Grass, a son of the late Jennings Judy and Maria Tate Sterrett Swecker.

Mr. Swecker was a member and ordained elder of Finley Memorial Presbyterian Church. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II (1943-46) and was quartermaster of a LST that landed on Omaha Beach, D-Day, June 6, 1944. Additionally, Mr. Swecker reenlisted and served during the Korean Conflict (1951-1953). He was a graduate of Blue Grass High School and received a bachelor of science degree in animal husbandry from Virginia Tech. He formerly owned and operated Shenandoah Insurance Agency in Stuarts Draft.

Mr. Swecker is survived by his wife, Ann Stuart McClure Swecker, whom he married on Jan. 16, 1954; daughter, Mary Tate Swecker of Monterey; son, Dr. William S. Swecker Jr. of Blacksburg; two sisters, Betty Ann Abbott of Bedford and Mary Judy Riddick of Franklin; two brothers, George R. Swecker of Sunnyside Retirement Home in Harrisonburg and James L. Swecker of Monterey, as well as a number of special nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his sister, Frances Celia Crown; and his brother, Robert T. Swecker.

A memorial service will be conducted 11 a.m., Saturday, March 31, at Finley Memorial Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Don LaRue officiating. The family will receive friends at the church following the memorial service. A private inurnment will be held in Blue Grass Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Finley Memorial Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 256, Stuarts Draft, Va. 24477 or Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah, P.O. Box 215, Fishersville, Va. 22939.