Lynn Swearingen

Lynn Swearingen

1942-2021

Lynn Swearingen, 79, of Sigourney, died Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, at Windsor Place in Sigourney.  He was born April 23, 1942, in Ottumwa, the son of Vernon and Joanna Ruth Hamilton Swearingen.  He graduated from Hedrick High School with the class of 1960.  Following graduation, he furthered his education at Parson’s College in Fairfield and at the Tulsa School of Aeronautics.  On Oct. 13, 1962, he was united in marriage to Martha Jane Echelberry.  To this union two sons were born Brent and Todd.  Lynn served in the United States Army Reserves from 1966-1972.  Lynn’s other love besides his wife and family was for automobiles.  He maintained an automobile dealers license in Iowa from 1965 until present day.  In addition to buying, selling, and trading vehicles he also worked on automobiles as he owned and operated the gas station in Hedrick.  He also worked with farmers as a fertilizer salesman in the Hedrick, Richland, and Brighton areas.  In addition to meeting the fertilizer needs of his customers in later years he sold seed corn for Moews and Lewis Seed companies in the 1980’s and ‘90’s.  In addition to serving the local farmers he owned and operated a seasonal boat rental business with his sons at the Lake of the Ozarks.  Lynn had an entrepreneurial spirit that went well with his outgoing and willing to help personality.  He enjoyed helping his family with various projects, especially if it involved something mechanical.  Along with his love of automobiles and competitiveness, racing was a big part of Lynn’s life.  In the 1960’s he and Ed Brugge built a drag racing car.  The two of them were a force to be reckoned with and other drivers at the racetrack in Kahoka, Missouri noticed when they showed up at the track.  He also enjoyed attending the stock car and sprint car races at the tracks in southern Iowa, he was a regular in the stands for over 65 years.  Lynn and Martha traveled to Ohio for many years to the Cambridge Glass Conference, they looked forward to seeing old friends and making new ones on every trip.  Above all he loved to spend time with his grandchildren.    

His family includes his wife of over 58 years Martha Swearingen of Keota; two sons and their wives, Brent and Brenda Swearingen of Fremont and Todd and Michelle Swearingen of Hedrick; five grandchildren, Caylee, Hunter, McKenna, Lexi, and Teagan Swearingen; and nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Lynn was preceded in death by a sister, Margie Thurman.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021, at 6 p.m. in the Fremont Funeral Chapel with Pastor Phil Hamilton officiating.  The family will continue to celebrate Lynn’s life and share stories at the Fremont Community Building in Fremont following the funeral ceremony.  As was Lynn’s wish his body has been cremated.  The Fremont Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.  Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Midwest, Patriotic Panthers 4-H Club or the Southern Iowa Speedway.  As a final tribute to Lynn the family asks that you wear your favorite race shirt to the services.