Donald Paul Swartz, 85, died March 13, 2026 at Ashton Creek Health & Rehabilitation Center in Ft. Wayne, IN.  He was born on August 25, 1940 in Bellefontaine, OH, to the late Paul M. Swartz & Delta (King) Swartz Yoder.

He married Joyce (Graber) Swartz and from that marriage the following children were born:  Lauri (David) Carnahan of Spencerville, Lisa (Darin) Roth of Naples, FL, Michelle (Rodney) Sinn of Ft. Wayne and Matthew (Amy) Swartz of Ft. Wayne.  He later moved to Lebanon, IN and met Ann Lynch, his longtime friend.

He is also survived by 13 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren plus 2 soon to be born; siblings, Gaylen (Rose) Swartz of Leo, Steve (Connie) Swartz of McPherson, Ks, Karen Ringenberg of Archbold, OH; and a brother-in-law, Jack (Jan) Walter of Lee Summit, MO.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Leanne Walter and a brother-in-law, Steven Ringenberg.

Donald loved farming, gardening, hunting, fishing, grilling and just being in the outdoors.  He enjoyed watching sports, especially college football and basketball, closely following two teams - IU and Ohio State.  In addition to farming, Don worked in many fields including construction and real estate, and he was an electrician and welder.  He enjoyed traveling to Little Eden Camp in Michigan with his family, to Gulf Shores and Gatlinburg.  Reminiscing about the past and his childhood days on the farm was one of his favorite things to do in his later years.

A private graveside service will be held.

Memorials may be given in his memory to the Little Eden Camp - 3721 Portage Point Drive Onekama, MI  49675.