Charles R. Swank

Charles R. Swank, 86, of Elysburg died Wednesday February 12, 2020, at Mountain View Manor, Coal Township. Dick, as he was better known to family and friends was born April 9, 1933 in Danville, a son of the late Charles H. and Pauline M. (Bucher) Swank, and was a lifelong resident of Elysburg.

He is survived by his wife the former Carole A. Rebar, and two sons; Jeffrey A. Swank of Montgomery Village, Maryland, and Gary D. Swank and his wife, Denise and granddaughter Kendyl of Mechanicsburg. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister who died in infancy.  

Dick graduated from Danville High School class of 1951. He was a talented baseball player, continuing to play with local teams following graduation. He served for 2 years in the Army after being drafted and was sent to Germany where he was a member of an Army band, which gave him the opportunity to visit other countries of Europe during his military service.

Dick was a 40 year employee of Merck, Inc. at the Riverside PA plant. He was an active member of the Elysburg United Methodist Church, serving the church in various capacities during his lifetime. He was also an active member of the Elysburg Masonic Lodge No. 349 for more than 60 years, and also taught Masonic rituals to many as a principal instructor for the Masonic district. Dick was a coach for the Ralpho Little League and Teener baseball teams when his sons were growing up. He served as Director in the All Home Days Association for the Ralpho Township Community Park, and could be found in the All Home Day Hot Dog and Hamburger stand Labor Day weekends doing whatever was needed to keep the stand running.

Services will be announced at a later date. 

Family and friends may send online condolences to allenrhornefuneralhome.com. The Allen R. Horne Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 193 McIntyre Road, Catawissa is handling arrangements.

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