Melvin “Don” Swangin, 59, Columbia City, passed away at 8:42 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016, at his home. Born Nov. 22, 1956, in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Richard and Naomi (Sheckles) Swangin.

At the young age of 6, Don’s mother passed away and by the age of 13, his dad also passed. Thankfully his older brother and his wife, Ronnie and Sylvia raised him. He attended Homestead High School. On Jan. 4, 1975, he married his high school sweet heart and the love of his life, Sue A. Gunkel.

Don was very talented in his work to support his family, which included working at Central Indiana Hardware, was a Landscape Specialist at IPFW and in 1999, he went full time with his home improvement business, Majestic Home Improvement. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Arcola and Knights of Columbus. He loved being with his family, was a wonderful woodworker and enjoyed fishing. He was also the lead singer and guitarist in his bands, Warehouse 30 and Power Play.

He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years: Sue Swangin; children: Vashawn (Jason) Prezbindowski, New Castle, Colo.; Corey (Amanda) Swangin, Columbia City; Ryan (Kristen) Swangin, Columbia City; and Jessica (Cory) Houser, Garrett; sisters: Lynn (Bill) Hale, Huntertown; Gail (George) Arnold, Lake Webster; Kay (Ken Simmons) Smith, Aiken, S.C.; and Sylvia Swangin, Ossian; mother-in-law: ‘Mom’ Ruby Gunkle; ten grandchildren; one great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law: “Dad” Marvin J. Gunkle; sister: Gwen Medrano; brothers: Ronnie and Dale Swangin; three infant brothers: Jimmy Wayne; Rick; and Nicky.

Visitation will be held from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7, at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, Columbia City, with a Rosary at 12:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 8, at St Patrick Catholic Church of Arcola, Fort Wayne, with visitation one hour prior. Father Tad Balinda will be officiating. Burial will follow at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Don’s memory to masses or to his family, I.C.O. Sue.