Gaylord Swihart Jr.

Gaylord Swihart Jr., 81, of Bunker Hill, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at Blair Ridge Health Campus in Peru.

He was born on July 14, 1944 in Wabash, Indiana to Gaylord and Lula Ellen Marie (Steele) Bookwalter.  On December 23, 1965, Gaylord married Phyllis (Taylor) Swihart.  With his passing, they were just a couple of weeks shy of celebrating 60 years of marriage. Gaylord served in the United States Army from 1965-1967. While serving, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was retired from Lear (formerly United Technologies) as an Engineer.

Gaylord was a very loving husband, father, and grandfather. Family was extremely important to him and he was so proud of his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing and watching NASCAR.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, and children: David Swihart of Peru, Indiana, Paul Curtis (Nikki) Swihart of Peru, Indiana, Lonnie Richard Swihart of Bunker Hill, Indiana, and Tamara (Jeff) Elchert of Bunker Hill, Indiana. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren: Bryce Swihart, Kyla Rairigh, Brandt Swihart, Heather Estes, Kirsten Blumke, Mindi Rairigh, Brittney Gunter, Nicholas Benner, Kasey Rairigh, Paige Swihart, Delaney Swihart and 20 great grandchildren.

Gaylord was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jerry Swihart, and sister Mary Lou Swihart.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025 from 1:00pm-3:00pm at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 West Third Street, Peru, Indiana. Funeral services will follow at 3:00pm. Military honors will be provided by Miami County Military Rites Team.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

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