Gordon Handley Swisher, 89

Gordon Handley Swisher, 89, of Gallipolis, died Tuesday July 12, 2016 at Abbyshire Place Nursing and Rehab Center. Born May 27, 1927 in Cheshire, he was the son of the late Erman and Vesta Shaffer Swisher.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded by his two older brothers, Ura and Daniel Swisher.

Gordon drove a dump truck and farmed with his dad and brother Daniel until AEP bought the farm in 1967. In 1969 Gordon and Daniel bought the John Deere dealership, and the following year built a new building for Swisher Implement Co. In 1975 Gordon and his wife Sophia bought out Daniel and his wife Mary Lou’s interest and continued to operate the dealership until 1987. Following their retirement they moved to Homosassa, Florida. where Gordon and Sophia cleared property to put their home and garden on. While living in Florida, they enjoyed traveling, reaching all U.S. States. In 2013, they moved back to Gallia County. Gordon always enjoyed gardening. He was a member of Sun Coast Baptist Church in Homosassa, and formerly attended Little Kyger Congregational Church. A long time Grange member, Gordon served as Master of the Grange for over 20 years.

Gordon is survived by his wife of 65 years, Sophia Roberts Swisher of Gallipolis, whom he married in 1951, along with a son, William K. (Carla James) Swisher of Cheshire, two grandchildren, Lauren (Robert) Elliott of Clarksville, TN, and Jordan Swisher of Cheshire, two great grandchildren, Gabriel and Benjamin Elliott of Clarksville, TN, six nieces and nephews, Bob (Ann) Swisher of Lake City, TN, Carl (Marty) Swisher of Caryville, TN, Betty (Paul) Smith of Clinton, TN, Irene Shedd of Forrest Park, OH, Dan (Janet) Swisher of Burleson, TX, and Susan Swisher of Italy.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday July 16, 2016 at the Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home with Pastor Ray Cotton officiating. Burial will follow in Gravel Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Pallbearers will be: David, Steven, and Edward Moore, Chad Roberts, Dallas Holbrook, and Jordan Swisher.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Little Kyger Congregational Church, c/o Kelly Hesson treasurer, 45 Porterbrook Lane Gallipolis, Ohio 45631.

An online guest registry is available at waugh-halley-wood.com