Wayne E. Swihart, 96, of Valparaiso, Ind., and formerly of North Manchester, Ind., passed away at 10:20 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, 2014, at Whispering Pines Nursing Home, Valparaiso.

He was born in Kosciusko County, Ind., on May 5, 1917, to Clarence and Nettie (Lindzy) Swihart. Wayne graduated from Silver Lake High School in 1935. On Sept. 14, 1940, he married Mildred E. Beigh. She preceded him in death.

He did his undergraduate studies at Manchester College earning a Bachelor’s degree in 1940 and an Master’s degree from Ohio State University in 1945. He did graduate studies at Indiana University and Ashland Theological Seminary and was an ordained an elder by the Brethren Church. Along with his wife Mildred, Wayne served as student pastor at Congregational Christian in Ohio; Burlington Brethren Church, Tiosa and Mexico Brethren Church, Milford Brethren Church, Muncie Brethren Church and Mishawaka Brethren Church retiring in 1986. Wayne began church service as youth director with First Brethren Church at North Manchester.  For 17 years he was teacher and administrator in public schools of Ohio and Indiana and for 30 years he was with Valparaiso University, retiring as associate professor of education.

He is survived by two sons: Thomas (Sharon) Swihart, Valparaiso, Ind.; David (Rita) Swihart, Leesburg, Ind.; two daughters: Ann (Jack) Swihart Butts, Naples, Fla; Nancy (Martin) Swihart McClintock, St. Louis, Mo.; his grandchildren: Jason Butts, Kevin Butts, Lisa Swihart, Mandy Swihart, Rob Swihart, Christa Swihart, Michael Swihart, Jamie Swihart, Ryan McClintock, Jef McClintock and Amy McClintock; and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one brother: Harold Swihart.

Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at McKee Mortuary, 1401 SR 114 W., North Manchester. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Silver Lake, Ind.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association, 50 E. 91st Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240.