Charles Albert Swearingen
May 6, 1936 - February 15, 2020

Charlie Swearingen, formerly of 100 South Pine Street, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning at Wellbrooke Crawfordsville where he had been a resident since January 2018. He came into this world on May 6, 1936 at New Ross to his proud parents the late Albert & Nellie (Friend) Swearingen. He was raised on a farm in the Wesley area before moving to Crawfordsville with his mother after his father's untimely death in 1959.
Charlie was their only child. Marriage was only an afterthought for there were only 24 hours in a day to do what was on his daily agenda & the responsibilities of family life just weren't meant to be.

Charlie graduated from Waynetown in 1954. He then enrolled in Valpo Tech where he received an engineering degree in the field of broadcasting in 1956. Charlie was a pioneer of television broadcasting in Indianapolis for over 59 years starting with WTTV (4) out of college, moving to WLWI (13) when they came on the air 2 years later. Some 25 years later he was recruited by Chris Duffy in the early planning stages to be a part of bringing to life WPDS (59), now known as WXIN.

During his broadcasting times he honorably served his country in the U.S. Air Force 1962-64. He also always had time when his knowledge & expertise was needed by area churches, businesses, civic groups, police & fire departments, friends & relatives. He kept many a sound systems, radio communications, even televisions operating as needed. Charlie was a 'friend' of CEL&P & his knowledge was tapped many a time at all hours of the day & night when needed. He loved being a part of the community.

Charlie is survived by cousins on both the Swearingen & Friend side of his family, his broadcasting family at WTTV, WTHR, & WXIN, plus many in his extended family of friends. He is preceded in death by many of the same.

A special 'Thank you' to Wellbrooke Crawfordsville for the compassionate care that they provided to him. Charlie never hesitated to voice his satisfaction of the care he received from the Wellbrooke staff.

In keeping with Charlie's wishes, there will be no calling with a private burial at a later date. Burkhart Funeral Home is in charge of fulfilling Charlie's request.