Blake Swartz

Blake A. Swartz, 68, of Wooster, died of a sudden illness April 11, 2018 at his home. He was born in Wooster, Ohio on January 7th, 1950, the son of Norman and Marjory {Walker} Swartz. He is survived by wife Joan {Kachmar} Swartz and sister Terry (Norman) Ginter. Also surviving are Joan’s mother Marie Houghton, and Joan’s siblings John (Carla), Rebecca (Eric), Jeff (Betsy), Scott, Leora (Adam), and Suzanne.

He was also greatly loved and will be missed by the Robert Houghton family, other extended family, nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

Blake was a lifelong resident of Wayne County. He attended Northwestern High School and graduated in 1968. He was active in scouting and attained the honor of Eagle Scout. He also began very early to love all things automotive and maintained a lifetime interest in cars and auto racing. As a young man he worked at Dragway 42 for many years. He had a long career in the automotive business with area dealerships.

He began a second career in service to the community. He worked for Every Woman’s House in Wooster and also volunteered widely, but most often, at the Salvation Army in Wooster, whose work he cared for deeply. A member of Wayne Presbyterian Church, over the years he served as an elder, deacon, sang in choir, and supported the church in many other ways.

Blake always stayed busy and had many hobbies. He enjoyed music and greatly appreciated local musicians, followed baseball, and was a photographer. He found time to appreciate nature (especially the beautiful birds that he fed and studied), and a lawn well mown by a John Deere tractor. Blake will always be remembered for warmly hosting family and friends and leading the fun and laughter that followed.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at Wayne Presbyterian Church, Wooster, Ohio, on Saturday, April 21st at 12:00 noon with friends viewing from 10:30 till 12. Memorial gifts can be made to The Salvation Army, Wooster Chapter, 437 S Market St. Wooster, Ohio 44691, and the Wayne Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 7152 Burbank Rd., Wooster, Ohio 44691.