Louis V. "Buddy" Swank Jr.

Louis “Buddy” Swank, Jr, 76, went to be with his Lord on January 28, 2020 while on hospice at home.  He was born in Louisville, KY to Margaret Herron Swank and Louis V. Swank on December 21, 1943.  He graduated from New Albany High School where he was in choir and musicals.  He played guitar and sang with a trio that performed for the Indiana Governor in the early 1960’s.  Music remained a large part of his life both in church and at home.  Buddy met Linda Newell in New Albany, dating her from her 16th birthday until they were married in 1967 when he was stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.  They had been married for 52 years.  In 1966 Louis enlisted in the army (RA), received MOS of company clerk.  When arriving in Vietnam in November 1967 he was assigned to be “ground bounder” for the First Infantry Division, Big Red One during the TET Offensive.  After 5 months he was reassigned to a company clerk position.  After his year he returned to Fort Campbell, KY.  Upon discharge from the army he attended Indiana State University, Evansville campus (now SIU) graduating with a history education major.  His first teaching position was in Madisonville, KY Junior High level.  Eventually he became a High School History teacher and an assistant girl’s basketball coach.  Summers he attended Western Kentucky University and after completing orals on the civil war graduated with Masters in History.  In 1979 Louis took Head Girls Basketball coach position at Monrovia, IN (Monroe-Gregg) and our family moved to Avon.  He retired from Monrovia in 2002 as History Department Head.  In his 32 years of teaching Louis taught many students about the importance of how previous history relates to current history.  Several students sent cards telling about his positive influence on them.  For 26 years Louis taught an adult Sunday school class at First Baptist Church, Plainfield.  Bringing in the history behind the scripture lesson enhanced their understanding of the Bible.  The class grew and became family to each other as their name implies “Live, Love, Laugh.”   Louis had an aggressive form of prostate cancer related to direct exposure to Agent Orange which he had been fighting for 10 years.  Thanks to a wonderful sister-in-law, Mollie Newell, who came to help with his care.  He is survived by his beloved wife Linda, daughters Laura (Greg) Gamm and Jessica Brooks, grandchildren Brittany (Josh) Passwaiter, Christopher Bratcher, Taylor Gamm, Jaleen Gamm, Isaac Day, Zachary Rivera and great-grandchildren Hailee King, Joshua Passwaiter, brother-in-law Lee Newell, niece, nephew and great nieces.  A Celebration of Life will be at 4:00 pm on Saturday, February 1, 2020 in the First Baptist Church Plainfield, 1012 Stafford Road, Plainfield, IN where friends may call at the church on Saturday from 1:30 pm until service time at 4:00 pm.    Inurnment will be at Maple Hill Cemetery, Plainfield, IN at a later date.  Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Plainfield or charity of your choice.  Arrangements by Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield.  www.hamptongentry.com