He was born Sept. 14, 1960, in Elkhart to Dennis and Ruth Ann (Kent) Swathwood.

He is survived by his mother and step-father, by whom he was raised, Ruth and Charles Estes of Elkhart; his father, Dennis E. (Linda) Swathwood Sr., of South Bend; one brother, Dennis E. (Connie) Swathwood Jr. of Elkhart; and one sister, Cheryl D. (Mark) Harris of Elkhart.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, and one hour prior to funeral services at noon Tuesday. Pastor Richard Secor will officiate. Burial will follow services at Olive Cemetery.

Mr. Swathwood was a 1980 graduate of Jimtown High School, where he was a manager for the football and wrestling teams for four years. He studied horticulture at Vincennes University and in 1981 he was commissioned by Elkhart's mayor to design and create a large Christmas wreath for the city. He was an avid fisherman. He was never without his fox terrier Princess.

Memorial donations may be given to the Muscular Dystrophy Associations of Elkhart or St. Joseph counties.