Steven J. Swigart, 66, of Watseka passed away on Friday, June 22, 2018 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka, surrounded by his family. He was born on December 20, 1951 in Watseka, the son of Joseph E. and Carolyn Anderson Swigart. He married Debra Kissack at Faith Lutheran Church in Watseka on January 20, 1973.
Surviving are his wife Debra “Cookie” Swigart of Watseka; two daughters, Shannon (Rob) Belcher of Bloomingdale, IN and Sadi (Erich) O’Donnell of Mahomet; one son, Steven J. Swigart Jr. (Miranda McNeely) of Champaign; six grandchildren, Kaleigh (Ben) Ford, Kelcie Basan, Madelyn Belcher, Charles Belcher, Talynn O’Donnell, and Raegan O’Donnell; one great grandson, Joseph Ford; his father, Joseph E. (Helen) Swigart of Watseka; one sister, Sarah (Gary) Lambert of Watseka; sister in law, Marybeth Noel; brother in law, Ben Walters; and several nieces and nephews.
Steve was preceded in death by his mother, Carolyn; one sister, Susan; and one brother, Scott.
Mr. Swigart was a gifted musician and was well known for playing music and shows in the area since the early 1970’s. The Blue Ribbon Band and Shatterkane were two of his most popular bands. Steve wrote and recorded music throughout the years. He built his very first guitar in shop class in high school and continued to build guitars throughout his life. Steve was well known for his unique talent of being a slide guitar player. He was very proud of playing with The Marshall Tucker Band on stage at the Watseka Theater last June. Steve always wanted to share his gift of music with others.
Steve enjoyed traveling to Brown County, Indiana with his wife. He also loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren who meant so much to him.
Funeral services will be at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2018 at Centennial Christian Church in Watseka. Joe Hughes will officiate. Private Family burial will take place at a later date at Body Cemetery in Woodland.
Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2018 at Centennial Christian Church.
Memorials may be made to ICARE Animal Rescue in Iroquois.
Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.
