Joseph Franklin Swearingen

Joseph Franklin Swearingen, 97 of Walker, W.Va. passed away March 9, 2011 at the home of his granddaughter in Indiana. He was born September 11, 1913 in Eatons, W.Va., a son of the late George and Eva Mae Sprout Swearingen. Joseph was retired from the Railroad after 34 years of service as a trackman. He enjoyed bird watching and traveling and was a member of the Church of Christ. He is survived by six grandchildren, Eltina Hughes (Todd), where Joseph resided, Grace Ridenour, William Simpson all of Indianapolis, IN, Kathy Starcher, Mary Brand, and Billie Simpson all of Parkersburg, W.Va.; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Galloway Swearingen in 1989; his daughter, Karen Simpson; and his brothers and sisters, William “Andy” Swearingen, John Swearingen, George Swearingen, Louise Taylor, Bertha Beckwith, and Mary Caroline Croston. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 12, 2011 at Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home 400 Green St. Parkersburg, WV with Pastor Jim Lynch officiating. Burial will follow at the Walker Cemetery, Walker, WV. Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. to time of service on Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Eltina Hughes to assist the family with expenses.