Larry A. Swartzbaugh

Larry A. Swartzbaugh, 81, of Metamora, IL, formerly of Ellsworth, IL, passed away at 12:30 pm on Sunday, December 3, 2023, at Snyder Village Health Center in Metamora, IL.

Larry was born on April 5, 1942, in Macomb, IL, to Howard and Dorothy (Chatterton) Swartzbaugh. He married Doris Bloschynsky on February 20, 1965, in Bloomington, IL, and they celebrated 43 years together. Doris preceded him in death on August 19, 2008.

Surviving are his sister, Lee Ann (Mike) Long of Macomb, IL; and his nieces, Melissa of Hannibal, MO and Michele of Macomb, IL. Also surviving are Larry and Doris' special daughter, Sandi Hill (Ron Dunston) from Metamora, IL, and two special granddaughters, Sarah (Jacob) Godwin from Quincy, IL and Renee Hill (Justin Pittinger) from Wooster, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Larry graduated from Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science. He spent his entire career in data processing at State Farm in Bloomington, IL. He advanced to a supervisor position during his career. He worked until his health declined, and he was no longer able to do the work he loved.

He was a mason of Wade Barney Lodge in Bloomington, IL, for 48 years, belonged to the Bloomington Knights Templar in Bloomington, IL, and was a Mohammed Shrine Funmaker in Peoria, IL. Larry's Funmaker clown was named Tapeworm. He loved being a clown, participating in Funmaker parades and events, and found joy in making others laugh. His involvement in these organizations resulted in a great network of friends.

Larry was best known for his great sense of humor; he loved having fun and joking with others. Larry was an excellent resource for information when you had a question. He loved his dogs, who always traveled with him. Larry loved to be around people and was often the life at the party with friends. His homestead in Ellsworth was full of treasures he loved and collected. He had many hobbies but loved trains, camping, fishing, collecting fishing equipment, and photography.

He and Doris spent summers camping at Northern Exposure in Chetek, WI and wintered in Bushnell, FL. He was always quick to make friends wherever he was and had a circle of friends from camping.

Larry spent the past eleven years at Snyder Village Health Center, where he received the best care from their staff. Larry was a second father to Sandi, and she was his primary caretaker since Doris died. Sandi and the family want to express their deepest gratitude to the Snyder Village Health Center team, who cared for Larry, enjoyed his sense of humor, and made him smile until his very last day. We witnessed how much they loved Larry.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm on Sunday, December 17, 2023, in the SV Visitor Center at Snyder Village Health Center in Metamora. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Snyder Village Residents in Need Fund, 1200 East Partridge Street, Metamora, IL 61548 or to The A.R.K. Humane Society, 477 State Route 26, Lacon, IL 61540. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

Larry will be missed by his family, friends, and the Snyder Village community.

The A.R.K. Humane Society Shelter
477 State Route 26, Lacon IL 61540
Web: https://thearkanimalshelter.org/

Snyder Village Residents in Need Fund
1200 East Partridge Street, Metamora IL 61548