Adams County is remembering Wendell Swearingen, a longtime Liberty Township Trustee and Korean War veteran, whose decades of quiet leadership and community service left a lasting impact on the region. Swearingen passed away earlier this month at the age of 87.
Known for his steady presence and commitment to local government, Swearingen served Liberty Township for many years, earning the trust and respect of residents through his hard work and dedication to public service. He approached his role not with fanfare, but with humility — always focused on doing what was best for the people of the township.
In 2023, The Informer featured Swearingen after he participated in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., an experience that brought him face-to-face with the monuments honoring his service generation. Accompanied by his son-in-law, Dave Davis, Swearingen toured the Korean War Memorial, WWII Memorial, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, among other sites.
Swearingen served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and locals described him as someone who “never asked for praise but always showed up when it mattered.”
His passing marks the loss of a pillar in the Liberty Township community — someone who believed in civic duty, family, and faith in the people he served.
Swearingen is survived by his wife Marjorie, his children, and a large extended family. He was laid to rest at Kirker Cemetery, with military honors provided by the Adams County Honor Guard.
