Luke Swavel Obituary

Luke Swavel

Luke Swavel, 45, of Upper Sandusky, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, May 4, 2023, at his home.

Luke was born Nov. 20, 1977, in Kenton, to Walter and Vicki Jane (Casto) Swavel. His father is deceased and his mother, Vicki, survives in Upper Sandusky. He married his high school sweetheart, Tessa Morris, on April 21, 2001, at Trinity Evangelical United Methodist Church, Upper Sandusky, and she survives.

He is also survived by his children, Brooke (19), Kaleb (16), Grant (13), and Ross (10), all at home; brothers, Scott (Theresa) Swavel of Upper Sandusky, Jeffrey (Renee) Swavel of Boardman, Matthew (Patty) Swavel of Upper Sandusky, and Mark Swavel of Waterville; sisters, Cynthia (Van) Rothlisberger and Sandra (Rick) Packer, both of Upper Sandusky; in-laws, Jim and Donna Morris, Paige Parlier, and Scott Morris, all of Upper Sandusky; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Walter; and sisters, Susan Swavel and Sarah Donaugh.

Luke was a 1996 graduate of Upper Sandusky High School, where he participated in football, wrestling, and baseball. He went on to Bowling Green State University and received his Bachelors Degree in Education, and his Masters Degree in Special Education at The University of Findlay.

He began his career in education teaching in Ridgedale Schools, where he taught and also coached high school basketball, and also high school baseball at Hopewell-Loudon. From there, Luke moved to Riverdale Schools, teaching history in sixth and eight grades while coaching junior high basketball and high school girls' softball. While continuing his teaching at Riverdale, Luke currently coached the girls' softball team at Upper Sandusky High School and was looking forward to coaching junior high football this fall at Riverdale.

Luke was a man of faith, having first churched as a child at Marseilles United Methodist Church, and then later with his wife, Tessa, became members of Trinity Evangelical, which was their church home. He was active in the church with coaching Upwards Football and Basketball, and he played church softball and dart ball.

Sports were a big part of Luke's life, as he also refereed football for many years with his brother Matt and friends, and just recently he received his certification in refereeing basketball and umpiring softball. Luke was also the co-founder of the long standing USFL fantasy football league.

Luke enjoyed watching documentaries, especially on history, along with TV shows Seinfeld, The Office, and Parks and Recreation. He enjoyed vacationing in Cancun, going on the 8th grade Washington D.C. trips with Riverdale, yearly family vacations every summer, and he was known for his random trips to take in various football or baseball games.

Luke's celebration of life service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Trinity Evangelical Church, with Pastors Jim Stauffer and Steve Sturgeon officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Upper Sandusky.

Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 10, 2023, and 10-11 a.m. Thursday at the church.

Those attending the services are welcome to wear their Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Browns, Ohio State, Riverdale, or Upper Sandusky attire, or your softball team colors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Luke Swavel "Run Through First" Memorial Scholarship, and can be sent to Lucas-Batton Funeral Home, 476 S. Sandusky Ave., Upper Sandusky, Ohio, 43351.

The scholarship will be awarded annually to one graduating senior each from Riverdale and Upper Sandusky who have competed as a senior in softball or baseball and are pursuing a post-secondary degree or certification.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lucasbatton.com.