John Swearingen, 83, passed away on Monday, October 25, 2021, at Milner Health Care in Rossville. John was born August 2, 1938, at home near New Market. He was the son of Herbert and Norma (Stillwell) Swearingen. He was the youngest of three children. Two sisters, Sarah Adams and Ailene Bell preceded him in death. He married Nancy Beard, and they later divorced. He married Flossie Dalrymple White in 1990, and she survives.
In 1962 John was selected to join the Indiana State Police and retired after 26 years of duty. He spent eight years in northwest Indiana working out of the Dunes Park Post. He was then transferred to the CID (Criminal Investigation Division) and moved to Frankfort. At the time of his retirement, he was commander of the State Police White Collar Crime Section at headquarters in Indianapolis. He was also an instructor at the Indiana State Police Academy. After retiring from the State Police, he worked as a fraud investigator in banking.
John joined the Army in 1956 and was in the Army Guard serving 25 years of military duty. He retired as a Sgt/Major (SGM). He received several military awards. During his military career, he served with several military units. He also was an instructor at the Indiana Military Academy.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He also earned three associates degrees and was a Certified Fraud Examiner.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Allen H. (Melissa) of Ohio and Mark L. of Kentucky; a stepson, Tony (Teresa) White, a stepdaughter, Angela (Rex) Wheeldon; seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
John was a member of the Christian Church. He served on the Frankfort City Council for two terms. Over the years he was active in the youth baseball programs. He was a member of the American Legion and had been a member of the Frankfort FOP for over 20 years. In 1993, Governor Evan Bayh named John a “Distinguished Hoosier”. In April 1978 Governor Martha Collins of Kentucky commissioned John, a “Kentucky Colonel”. John enjoyed spending time with his sons, traveling with Flossie, fishing, hunting, training Brittany bird dogs, motorcycle riding, beekeeping, and golf.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the start of the funeral service at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 30, 2021, at Genda Funeral Home in Frankfort with Emmett Ade officiating.
Memorials in John’s name may be made to the Frankfort Salvation Army or Family Support through the American Legion.
Online condolences may be directed to www.gendafuneralhome.com.