John B Swarner

John B. Swarner, known to many as “Barry”, age 80 of Shermans Dale, peacefully passed away on April 10, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family.  Born in Carlisle on October 12, 1943, to the late John G. “Jack” and Hazel R. (Baer) Swarner, Barry was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  He is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Barbara M. (Brownawell) Swarner; two daughters:  Lori Hoffman (Terry) and Lisa Fry (Warren), both of Shermans Dale; four grandchildren:  Morgan Sheffield (Dustin), Mackenzie Hoffman (Paige Detweiler); Melissa Eldridge (Jimmy) and Jonathan Fry; six (almost seven) great grandchildren:  Dylan, Caysen, Bruce, Thomas, Skylynn, Octavia, and Baby Hoffman due to be born any day.  Barry’s loyal canine companion, Benji, will miss him dearly.  In addition to his parents, Barry is preceded in death by his sister, Brenda L. Gitt, who died in 2007.

Barry graduated with the Carlisle High School Class of 1963, and a year later married the love of his life, Barbara Brownawell.  He was a landscaper with Davis Nurseries, which then became Davis Landscape, for over 42 years, from which he retired in 2012.  He was an active volunteer in his community.  He was a former member of the First Church of God in Carlisle.  He volunteered for over 10 years with the Perry County Fair, where he helped with the antique toy building, and Perry County Food Bank.  In his rare free time, he was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He loved to watch his great grandson play baseball, and excitedly planned and travelled winter trips to Florida and attending the Daytona 500 race.

Barry’s funeral services will be held in the calming chapel of Nickel Lochstampfor Family Funeral Home on Thursday, April 18.  The visitation will be from 9 to 11 AM, followed by the funeral service at 11 AM, with Pastor Dale Detweiler officiating.  Interment will follow the funeral service in Reibers Church Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to New Bloomfield Senior Center, 225 W. Main Street, New Bloomfield, PA  17068.

Arrangements entrusted to Nickel Lochstampfor Family Funeral Home, Inc.

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