Obituaries

Stephen M. Blackford
FREDERICKTOWN — Stephen Michael Blackford of Fredericktown went to be with our Lord on Thursday, April 29, 2004, after battling congestive heart and kidney failure.

He was 51, born Feb. 11, 1953, to Robert and Joyce (Burgholder) Blackford in Mount Vernon. He graduated in 1971 from Fredericktown High School. In 1978, Steve was nearly killed in a serious road accident, resulting in severe head injuries. For the past 26 years, Steve was lovingly cared for in the home by his mother.

Steve was best known for his positive attitude, his love of people, and the black Firebird he so enjoyed being in, whether for long drives in the country or simply talking with friends and acquaintances through the passenger-side window.
Steve was preceded in death by his father, Robert Blackford.

He is survived by his mother, Joyce; a sister, Marcia (Scott) Warren; and two brothers, Gary (Pam) Blackford and Tom (Jeanine) Blackford.

A memorial service will be held Sunday at 3 p.m. at the First Church of God, 19535 Zolman Road, Fredericktown. The Snyder Funeral Home in Fredericktown is in charge of arrangements.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Steve’s name to the Brain Injury Association of Ohio, 1335 Dublin Road, Suite 217 D, Columbus 43215.

Freeman Swank Sr.
BELLVILLE — Freeman J. Swank Sr., 79, of Bellville died April 29, 2004, in Grant Medical Center, Columbus.

He was born April 16, 1925, in Richland County to Hugh O. and Novella (Divelbiss) Swank. He served with the U.S. Army’s 13th Air Force during World War II. He served 19 years as Richland County Auditor until retiring in 1991. Freeman was a member of the Buckeye Iron Will Tractor Club, Bellville United Methodist Church, Knights of Pythian Casca Lodge, Bellville Lodge 376 F&AM, Baku Grotto at Mansfield and VFW Post 9825 at Bellville.

He is survived by his wife, Rheabelle (Mull) Swank; three sons, Freeman J. (Mary) Swank Jr. of Wellington, Robert Lee (Peggy) Swank Sr. and Edwin Clark (Sheila) Swank, both of Butler; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Marilyn VanHouten of Bellville.

He was preceded in death by brothers, Earl and Frederick Swank and Charles Divelbiss; and a sister, Katherine Staats.

Friends may call Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home, where funeral will be Monday at 2 p.m. The Rev. Dr. Wray C. Smith will officiate. Burial will follow in Bellville Cemetery, with military honors conducted by Irvin Hiskey Post 535 of American Legion.

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