Wilbur Henry "Red" Swank,88, of Danville, PA, went home to be with his Lord on Monday, June 6, 2022
Wilbur Henry "Red" Swank, 88, of Danville, PA, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, June 6, 2022. He was born January 23, 1934 in Danville PA the son of the late Wilbur A. and Minnie V. (Moser) Swank.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Bernice "Bernie" Swank. They were married March 13, 1982. He was often lovingly referred to as Mayor Swank’s “First Dude”.
He attended Danville schools from Grade 1 through Grade 9 and then graduated from Scott Township High School in 1951. He was a graduate of Empire Beauty School and continued 12 more years of education in cosmetology.
He was the owner of Swank’s Barber Shop and Swank’s Salon and Hair Replacement for 58 years from where he retired.
Red was a member of the First Baptist Church of Danville for over 40 years where he served faithfully as the Usher Director. His service to His Lord was significant. He was a member of the Gideon's International for 30 years, the Susquehanna Men's Prayer Breakfast for 30 years and the Christian Farmer's Association for 15 years, and the Danville Riverside Food Bank for over 20 years as well as the Billy and Franklin Graham Association for three years. He thoroughly enjoyed a memorable and impressionable Mission Trip to Russia (Siberia) in 2001 with the Josh McDowell Evangelistic Crusade. Red also worked with the Bill Glass Evangelistic Association.
One of Red's many contributions to the Danville Community was the commitment and dedication he had as the Chairman of the Danville Community Christmas Tree Program for 26 years. He also served as the Chairman of the Salvation Army in Montour County for 26 years, The American Cancer Society and the Look Good Feel Better Program for 27 years. Red was Chairman of the Prostate Program for the American Cancer Society for10 years. He also was an officer of the National and State Hair Dressers Association for over 20 years.
Red loved weightlifting, exercising and walking. One of his greatest passions were his dogs and walking them along the dike with his wife, Bernie. His greatest enjoyment in life was spending quality time with his family and reading his favorite book, the Bible. He was always one to encourage others whenever he saw them at his shop or around town.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons: Richard and his wife Bee of Aliquippa PA; Thomas and his wife Tassy of Bloomsburg PA and Derek of Lansdale PA and two daughters, Laurie Swank of Bloomsburg PA and Suzanne Lesher and her husband Bruce of Milton FL. Also surviving is his stepson Shawn Mowery and his wife Julie of Northumberland. Also surviving are his grandchildren: Heather, Shawna, Eric, Stephanie, Dustin, Zach, Samantha, and Meadow. He is also survived by two step grandchildren: Austin and his wife, Haley and Erin Mowery. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by one son, Harry Swank and one sister, Joyce Walters.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Red's life to be held Friday, June 10, 2022, at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Danville PA 12 Brookside Drive (Off Route 642E) with his pastor, the Reverend Dawes J. Dunham officiating. Friends will be received from 12:00 PM until 1:45 PM. Thoughtful masking is required. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery Danville PA.
The family will provide flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Danville or The Gideons International 490 Queen Street Northumberland PA 17857.
Arrangements are under the direction of Visneski Funeral Home, Inc. 42 West Mahoning Street Danville PA17821.
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