Lawrence Swords

Lawrence Swords, 86, went to join his wife on July 22, 2023.

Lawrence was born on December 5, 1936, in Akron, Ohio, to Leo M. and Martha A. (Griffiths) Swords. On August 8, 1969, he married Carol J. (Ray) Swords, who preceded him in death on September 4, 2020.

Larry was a 1954 graduate of Lima South High School. After high school, he served in the U.S. Air Force from October 19, 1954, to August 18, 1958, serving in the Korean War. He retired from Westinghouse after 20 years, and after retirement he devoted his time to serving his community. In 1995 he joined the Lima Host Lions Club where he served as a District Governor, Zone Chairman, Sight & Hearing Chairman, President and Secretary/Treasurer. He was awarded a Melvin Jones Fellowship which is the highest award a member can obtain. Larry also received International Presidents awards as well as a Dick Bryan Award and a Dick Clark Award. He served as president of the Northwest Ohio Lions Eye Care Foundation for many years. He went on 2 mission trips to Haiti with VOSH serving those in need with eye care.

Larry was a member of St. Marks United Methodist Church where he served on the Board of Trustees, Pastor Parish Committee, taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. He was also a member of the United Methodist Men. He filled the lives of his family and those around him with laughter and joy, made up songs and stories.

He is survived by his children, Kimberly R. Smoke of Middleburg, FL, Jeffrey McDaniel of Bixby, OK, and Mark P. (Christine) Swords of Lima, OH; stepchildren, Dionne (Michael) Hardman of Fuquay Varina, NC, John (Amy) Ray of Maumee, OH, and Laura Snyder of Dayton, OH; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law Margaret Swords.

Along with his wife he is preceded in death by his siblings, Rev. David (Virginia) Swords, Charles (Sharon) Swords, Betty Ann (Henry) Loving, Lloyd Swords, Bruce Swords, Evelyn (Bill) Anthony, and Gloria (Wally) Scheidt.

The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, July 24, 2023 at St. Marks United Methodist Church, Lima, Ohio.  The Memorial Service will follow at 6 p.m.  Rev. Ted Bible will officiate. Burial of Ashes will be at a later date in Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Flag City Honor Flight.

Arrangements handled by Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home.  Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.