position. He also served as aBoy Scout leader for 10 years.
He retired from General Motors at the age of 53 but con-
tinued to work full-time for Spring Arbor Distributors and
later on at Ace Hardware. In April 1995, he established
Papa's Fix-It serving the Sumpter community as the “go to
guy” for small engine repair.
Val Swinson maintained the household while raising the
couple's children. She played an active role volunteering at
St. Anthony's School and church for more than 20 years. She
was always the mom seen on lunch duty, organized funeral
luncheons, ran the kitchen on bingo nights, taught Sunday
School, helped with countless events at the Strawberry
Festival, and served as a Eucharist Minister for a number of
years.
Together, the couple traveled toHonduras asmissionaries
in 2004 and, most recently, to Israel in October 2017 where
they visitedmany historical sites including theHolyLand.
They continue to be very activewith the church at River of
Life in Belleville where Don Swinson serves as Head Usher.
In their spare time, they enjoy growing a garden, canning,
andmaking honey.
They will celebrate their 58th wedding anniversary this
year.
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Citizens
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