Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Leroy Junior Swinford II, of Fort Wayne, and formerly of Warsaw, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at the age of 59.
He was born on March 27, 1966, in Fort Wayne, to Karen Lee Karn Swinford and Leroy Junior Swinford. On Aug. 6, 2011, Leroy married his best friend and love of his life, Carolyn Phyllis Hite Babendrager. They enjoyed spending time together and just celebrated their 14th anniversary this year. Leroy attended Pathway Community Church in Fort Wayne where he loved worshipping alongside his church family.
Leroy worked for over 10 years at Paragon Medical in Pierceton and then at Auburn Gear as a CNC operator. He was an avid sports fan, especially a devoted fan of the Indianapolis Colts. He enjoyed spending time outdoors and over the years he became a master at playing corn hole.
A wonderful man lived his life helping others, the type of man who would give you the shirt off his back if needed. Leroy was a devoted involved loving grandfather, he was better known as PawPaw. He dearly loved his family ... he was their protector.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Carolyn Swinford, Fort Wayne; two sons, Justin Babendrager, Fort Wayne; Hunter Babendrager, Flint, Mich.; and a daughter, Chyann Patton, Fort Wayne. He also leaves behind three grandchildren: Bently and Cynthia Babendrager, Fort Wayne; Aubrey Gillen, Sabastian, Fla.; sister, Beatrice (Theadore) Swank, Fort Wayne; and his brother, Howard Swinford, Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Elaine Lynn Stuber.
Leroy’s life will be celebrated by his family from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 14 at 6340 Goshen Road, Fort Wayne. There will also be another celebration of his life with a memorial service at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20 at The Church of Jesus Christ, 11037 S. CR 600 E., North Manchester, and officiated by Michael Miller. He will be buried at a later date at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw. Arrangements were entrusted to Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw.
Memorial donations may be directed to American Cancer Society, 5635 W. 96th St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46278.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.
