Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Steve Schwaninger
Feb 26th, 1937 - May 16th, 2014Charles Stephen Schwaninger, age 77, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Friday, May 16, 2014, at his home in Flora.
Steve was born February 26, 1937, in Columbus, Indiana, the son of Charles Emerson and Jessie Marie Florence (Wilson) Schwaninger. On June 23, 1957, in Columbus, Indiana, he married Beverly Jane Hibbitt. During his college years at Butler University, Steve was active on the swim team and in Phi Delta Theta, but his avid lifetime support as a fan of Indiana University became just as equally familiar as his often-seen license plate, “GOUIU.” After moving to Illinois as part of his position with Lok Products, he was later employed by Sparton Manufacturing in Flora. Together, Steve and Bev became owners of the Ranch Motel and Flora Greenhouse. He served on the Flora school board, was past president of the Flora Chamber of Commerce, and was a member of the Flora Elks. He was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church where he had served as an elder and treasurer. Most recently, he and Bev were welcomed into a new church family at the First Baptist Church of Flora where Steve experienced a renewal of his baptism. Steve enjoyed golf and swimming, and took very special interest and pride in his family and grandchildren’s activities and sporting events.
Steve’s family includes: Wife, Bev Schwaninger of Flora; a late son, Stephen Brent Schwaninger; daughters Susan Carrell of Springfield, Tennessee, Shari (Kim) Hamilton of Flora, and Stacy (Les) Higgason of Flora; grandchildren: Stephanie (Ryan) Mitchell, Chad (Bethany) Schwaninger, Bethany (Chet) Stuemke, Gregory Boose, Derek (Hollie) Drew, Karlee Carrell, Jordan Carrell, Heath Hamilton, Stephen (Rosie) Hamilton, Maegan (Heath) Bryan, Shawn (Troy) Kirby, Jeff (Michelle) Higgason, Brent (Jordie) Higgason, Cameron Higgason; great grandchildren: Joanna, Nora, Tysha, Ashlyn, Keatan, Carder, Ayanna, Jaysie, Ma’Liyah, Payton, Presley, Lyndi (Dusty) Thompson, Logan Greenwood, Madison Kirby, Lennon, Maggie, Brooklyn; and a great-great grandchild: Jocelyn. He is also survived by his mother in-law: Irva Hibbitt of Flora; brother in-law: Wendell Hibbitt of Laughlin, Nevada; daughter in-law: Tammy (Bob) Schwaninger Boose of Xenia; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, son, and brother: Phillip Schwaninger.
Funeral services will be conducted 4 p.m. Sunday, May 18, 2014, at First Baptist Church in Flora. Visitation will be at the church from 12 Noon until the hour of service. Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora is caring for the family. Memorials may be given to the American Diabetes Association or a scholarship fund in memory of Steve Schwaninger. An online guestbook is available at www.frankandbright.com.