Swartley, Warren H. (d. 1971)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1971 Sep 16 p. 11

Birth date:

text of obituary:

WARREN H. SWARTLEY

Warren H. Swartley of Souderton, Pa., died suddenly at his home on Friday, July 23, 1971.

Surviving are his wife, Florence; a son, G. Merrill of Goshen, ind.; a daughter Arlene, (Mrs. William E. Gross), of Blooming Glen, Pa.; five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Mr. Swartley was buried in the Souderton Mennonite Church Cemetery after memorial services were held in the church. Rev. Richard Detweiler and Rev. Paul Hackman conducted the service. Hiriam [sic Hiram] Hershey led the congregational signing and directed the choir. Rev. Winfield Ruth conducted the graveside service.

Throughout his lifetime Mr. Swartley was active in music in the Mennonite Church. In his earlier years he conducted many singing classes in the churches in the Franconia Conference and the Lancaster area. In his constant effort to bring good congregational singing to the churches he formed choirs, men's, mixed, and youth, which practiced in the homes of the participants.

He was used in various parts of the United States in winter Bible schools as a music instructor. He served at the Johnstown, Pa. and Fairvierw Mich. Winter Bible schools, and for a few terms in the Dutchess, Alberta, Winter Bible schools.

Following his father, George R. Swartley, he was for many years the song leader in the Souderton Mennonite Church. The past four years he filled a need for song leadership in the Norristown Mennonite Church, helping with the music and teaching them congregation songs from the new Mennonite Hymnal. In recent years,he sang in choruses formed by Hiram Hershey and enjoyed singing some of the great works of the masters.

The church has benefited from his dedication to music, particularly his desire to have good congregational singing.