Charles Wayne Swomley

Charles Wayne Swomley (Wayne) Obituary

As written by Charles Wayne Swomley:

On October 16, 2025, Wayne took his last Earthly breath and passed into the arms of Jesus, his Savior. Wayne was blessed to have been the son of Christian parents: the late Charles and Dorothy Swomley. Wayne was the husband of a wonderful wife, Betty Jean Swomley, who predeceased him earlier this year.

Wayne was born in Frederick Memorial Hospital on December 28, 1940. He graduated from Walkersville High School in 1958, where he was a four year letterman in sports and a member of those undefeated teams of the late Hall of Fame Coach Bill Talley. He also played baseball for Frederick American Legion and Walkersville of the Tri-County League.

After high school, he joined with his father in the operation of the family dairy farm, "Glade Heaven" of Walkersville. Wayne was a 4-H member and received many county and state honors, including being named "Nation Chief" at the state 4-H club week when it was held on the University of Maryland Campus and attended by thousands of 4-H'ers. He received the Maryland 4-H "Key Club" award, he was a delegate to the AIC convention held at the University of Illinois.

At the Maryland State Fair in 1958, Wayne, with his Holstein heifer "Lilac", was named the "Over All Breeds Fitting and Showing Champion".

Wayne was a member of Francis Scott Key American Legion, where he served as Post Chaplain for 11 Years. He was also a member of Elks Lodge 684.

After Glade Haven Farm was sold, Wayne started a career in the insurance industry as an independent contractor for several risk reporting bureaus. His heart always remained with the farm way of life: "You can take the boy out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the boy!" Wayne always said "Growing up in the Walkersville area was Norman Rockwell special".

Wayne was a lifelong baptized member of the Frederick Church of the Brethren, where he had served in many capacities over the years. Wayne had faith that he is now in the care of his Father in Heaven.

Wayne is survived by a sister, Jean Swomley Irani and Husband Furadoon Irani of near Front Royal, VA, step-daughters, Dana and Shannon, as well as step-grandchildren, Ivana, Camila and Norah. He is also survived by special niece, Lisa and her children Ryan and Drew, a special nephew, Michael and his children Jonathan and Maddie.

In honoring Wayne's wish, his body will be cremated.