Aug. 4, 1950-Oct 13. 2013

Robert Lee Swartz, 63, of Cassopolis, formerly of Granger, died Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, in Lakeland Health Care, St. Joseph.

Robert was born Aug. 4, 1950, in South Bend, Indiana to William and Carolyn (Sherman) Swartz. He married Elaine Dazell June 10, 1989 in Cassopolis. She survives. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Robert served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam era. He held a private pilot’s license. He was a member of S.H.R.P. of Granger since 1998. He was the former owner of Swartz Machining in Dowagiac. He was a truck driver for Kenneth Smith in Niles.

Robert will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Elaine (Dazell) Swartz of Cassopolis; one daughter, Amy Ely of Redmond, Oregon; one son, Gerald (Jessica) Penny of Mishawaka; two grandsons, Grant Ely and Cameron; two granddaughters, Andie and Kathryn; one brother, Bill Swartz of California; and one aunt, Madeline Swartz of Cassopolis.

Family and friends will gather Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. at the family residence in Cassopolis. Please dress casually. Mr. Swartz’ remains will be laid to rest this spring with Military Honors in Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta (Battle Creek).

The family prefers contributions be made in Robert’s memory to any veterans’ organization.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or message online: wagnercares.com.