Donald Albert SweatlandDonald Albert Sweatland passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019, at 10:52 p.m., while surrounded by his loving family. He was 82 years old at the time of his death.
Don, as most knew him, was born on Aug. 26, 1936, in Rome, N.Y. He was one of five children and the son of Ivan Earl and Mary Lucille Griffith Sweatland. He graduated from nearby Camden High School in 1954, number three in his class. He then attended New York University before moving to and graduating from Indiana Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in engineering. A lifelong learner, Don would go on, earning numerous certificates and completing countless training programs.
On Feb. 15, 1958, Don was united in marriage to Paula O. Bendele. He had fallen for her instantly when the two met in Fort Wayne where he delivered mail to her office. The pair moved to the Warsaw area when Don accepted a position as a data processing manager for Dalton Foundry before eventually earning a position as controller of Warsaw Chemical, though he would dedicate the rest of his career there, working his way up to President of the company. Don often had a sideline in teaching or accounting. He worked for H&R Block and taught in Warsaw High School’s adult education program. He also volunteered countless hours teaching in junior achievement, as a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic School Board, Lincoln PTA and Warsaw High School PTA.
He was instrumental in helping the Warsaw Public Library to expand as a member of their board, was involved with several Sacred Heart Church expansions and coached church league softball. He was active in Boy Scouts throughout his life and served as a troop leader and on the area council for many years. In 1993, he was awarded the prestigious Silver Beaver Award for his contributions to Scouting. He was also very active in the Knights of Columbus, was a past Grand Knight, having held several positions in the council.
Although he was hardworking and involved in a multitude of ways across the community, Don was always sure to make time for family and to watch the birds. He was a dog lover and loved his “granddogs dearly.”
Those who survive include his wife of nearly 62 years, Paula Sweatland; four children, Judith (Douglas) Pownall, of Warsaw; Jeffrey Sweatland, of Anderson; Jennifer (Kent) Stouder, of Warsaw; and Jay Sweatland of Warsaw; nine grandchildren, Joshua (Kristen) Sweatland, of Oveido, Fla.; Jacob (Hillary) Sweatland, of Fayetteville, N.C.; Tyler (Lindsay) Stouder. of Fishers, Ind.; Michael Pownall, of Warsaw; Kevin (Jessiy) Pownall, of Warsaw; Rachael Stouder, of Syracuse; Jessica Sweatland, of Indianapolis; Emily (Matt) Campbell, of Winona Lake; and Marissa Sweatlandm of Warsaw; and six great-grandchildren. Three brothers, Arthur (Marge) Sweatland, Richard (Carol) Sweatland and David Sweatland also survive.
Don was preceded in passing by his parents; a sister, Marion Germano; and a daughter-in-law, Linda Sweatland, who passed on Nov. 4, 2018.
Don’s life Ccelebration is entrusted to Titus Funeral Home, 2000 East Sheridan Street, Warsaw, where visitation will be held on Monday, Aug. 19 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. with the Holy Rosary to be recited at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be served at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Tuesday at 11 a.m. with burial to follow in Warsaw’s Oakwood Cemetery.
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Memorials to Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice to assist with hospice care or to Sacred Heart Catholic School’s scholarship fund; envelopes for both will be available.
Condolences may be left at www.TitusFuneralHome.com
