Wooster “ Donley D. Swinehart, 80, of Wooster, died Tuesday afternoon, March 26, 2013, at Brookdale Place following a lengthy illness, which he faced with courage and dignity. He was born June 23, 1932, in Wooster, the son of the late Glenn and Mary (Grable) Swinehart. He married Joy Hanson on July 21, 1953 and she survives. In July, they would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Don will be deeply missed by his wife, Joy; daughters Jan (Larry) Herald and Susan, both of Wooster; grandson, Matthew Herald of Austin, Texas; granddaughter Kristen Herald and her fiancé, Jim Black, of Wadsworth; loyal dog, Sophie; brother-in-law Al (Cheryl) Hanson of Atlanta, Georgia; nieces and nephews and the many friends he made throughout his lifetime.   He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Rodney and Vincent; sister, Treva Biggs and 2 infant sisters. Don was a loving husband and father, a true friend and a role model for the young people in his employ. He always had a smile on his face, a friendly handshake and he was quick to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He never met a stranger.   He played on the 1949 undefeated Wooster High School football team, which ranked 8th in the state, graduating in the class of 1950. Don attended college for 2 years before withdrawing to enlist in the United States Air Force. He attended Electronics School and was accepted into the Cadet Flight Training Program. He earned his wings and was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant. When the Korean Conflict ended, he served as a 1st Lieutenant in the 81st Fighter Bomber Squadron of the 50th Fighter Bomber Wing at Hahn Air Force Base in Southern Germany. He made close friendships with the men with whom he served and maintained those friendships throughout the years, never missing a reunion. After leaving the Air Force, he earned a business degree from Ohio University and worked in sales for a number of years. He then owned and operated his own business, Continental Coatings Company, for 35 years, retiring in 1997. Don was a 50-year member of the Elks. In retirement, he worked at the College of Wooster Pro Shop and he loved golfing, sports, fishing, home remodeling projects and vacations with his family. For about 40 years, the highlight of his mornings was meeting friends at The Parlor Restaurant for an early breakfast, enjoying their camaraderie and sharing many laughs and good times with ˜the guys ™ and The Parlor ˜ family ™. He was known for his quick wit and good sense of humor. Don was a compassionate and caring animal lover throughout his life. His beloved Lhasa-Poo, Sophie, who was adopted from the Wayne County Humane Society, was a constant companion throughout his illness. Though she wasn ™t trained as a service dog, the family considered her to be one. She knew her ˜job ™ was to take care of Don and she did, staying by his side and giving him great comfort. He loved her dearly. Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 2nd at 1:00 p.m. at McIntire, Bradham and Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill Street, Wooster with the Rev. Paul Lintern officiating. A private family burial, with military honors, will take place at a later date. Interment will be at Reedsburg Cemetery. Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, April 1st, 2013, at the funeral home or 1 hour prior to the funeral service. On line condolences may be sent to mitch@mcintirebradhamsleek.com.   Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Wayne County Humane Society, 1161 Mechanicsburg Road, Wooster, Ohio 44691; The Alzheimers Association, Greater East Ohio Area Chapter, 1815 West Market Street, Suite 301, Akron, Ohio 44313; or Hospice & Palliative Care of Greater Wayne County, 2525 Back Orrville Road, Wooster, Ohio 44691.   The family would like to thank Dr. Frank Cebul, Hospice and Brookdale Place staff for their kind and compassionate care and the Alzheimer ™s Association for their invaluable guidance and support throughout Don ™s illness.

Memorial Contributions
Wayne Co. Humane Society, 1161 Mechanicsburg Rd., Wooster, OH 44691, the Alzheimers Association, Greater East Ohio Area Chapter, 1815 West Market St., Suite 301, Akron, OH 44313 or Hospice & Palliative Care of Greater Wayne Co., 2525 Back Orrville Rd., Wooster, OH 44691.

Service
Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home

Visitation
Friends may call Monday, April 1, 2013 from 5-8 p.m. and 1 hour prior to the time of the service