Donor Legacies
Gift of a Lifetime
Ira E. Swearingen
The Ira E. Swearingen Memorial Scholarship Fund provides a scholarship to a worthy graduate of Portsmouth West High School that has maintained a grade point average of at least 3.0, plans to attend an accredited state-supported university to work towards a Baccalaureate Degree, and demonstrates financial need. The first award from the fund was made in the summer of 2001.
Ira was born June 12, 1950, in Portsmouth, Ohio. He was one of ten children (three brothers and six sisters) of the late Roy A. and Gladys Tatman Swearingen. Ira was a graduate of Portsmouth West High School and attended the Ohio State University and Columbus State Community College.
Mr. Swearingen was a decorated Vietnam Veteran. He served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Enterprise as a hospital corpsman. For his dedicated service, Ira was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. At the time of his death, Mr. Swearingen worked as an orthopedic consultant for Sulzer Medica, Inc. of Austin, Texas and was a Certified Physician's Assistant.
Ira had strong ties to his family, especially his 19 nieces and nephews, 31 great-nieces and nephews, and two great-great nephews. It is because of his love of children that family members decided to establish this memorial scholarship fund in his name.
From the outpouring of contributions and donations to the fund, it is evident that Mr. Swearingen touched many lives across the country. His friends at Marli Medical Supplies, Inc., in Mineola, New York, miss him dearly. The Southern Surgical Consultants of Jacksonville, Florida, think of him often. "We had the great fortune of working with Ira over the past ten years. Our company's success is due in large part to Ira's efforts and dedication. He was always there to help, no matter the task or hour of the day. He was truly a great friend and comrade. We will miss him dearly."