Howard Eugene Swortzel, 85, widower of Nellie (Pleasants) Swortzel of 11 Hickory Drive passed away, Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at the home of his daughter where he made his home.

Mr. Swortzel was born September 3, 1926 in Augusta County, a son of the late Fred and Mabel (Benson) Swortzel.

Mr. Swortzel retired in 1989 from Wilson Trucking after thirty-five years of service as a local and long distance truck driver and was a Corporal in the United States Army. He was a life member of the Crimora United Methodist Church and active in his church with the food pantry, helping to make apple butter and any fund raisers within the church. Howard had a special love for his grandchildren and great grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them. He was a helpful servant and a friend to all whether it was family, neighbors or a stranger. A favorite enjoyment of life was working with his hands as a builder and he enjoyed blue grass and country music.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by three brothers and four sisters.

Survivors include a son, Randy Swortzel and his wife Cris and a daughter, JoAnne Cash all of Waynesboro; a sister, Edna Brown of Crimora; a sister-in-law, Anna Swortzel of Waynesboro; two grandchildren, Christopher Cash and his wife Amy and Cheyenne Swortzel; two great grandchildren, Blake and Landon Roach; a number of nieces and nephews also survive.

A Memorial service will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 26, 2011 at Crimora United Methodist Church in Crimora by Pastor Gayle Thornberry.

Burial will be private.

The family will receive friends following the service and other times at the residence of Mr. Swortzels children.

In lieu of flowers it is suggested that memorial contributions be made in memory of Howard E. Swortzel to the C.U.M.C./Food Pantry, 1691 New Hope \u0026 Crimora Road, Crimora, VA 24431.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of his arrangements.