Harold Benjamin Swinger II

Harold Benjamin Swinger II, known as "Ben," aged 86, of Centerville, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2026, at Vienna Springs Health Campus. Born on September 3, 1939, in Marshall, Missouri, he was the cherished son of the late Harold and Lucy Swinger.

Ben was predeceased by his beloved wife, Barbara Swinger. He is survived by his daughters, Cristie (Gary) Teague of Centerville, Ohio, and Cynthia (Tim) Gevedon of Maineville, Ohio. He also leaves behind his brother, Douglas (Cathy) Swinger, of Marshall, Missouri; his grandchildren, David Hansbarger of Lakewood, Colorado, Emily Hansbarger of Charleston, South Carolina, Olivia (Jack) Ohringer of Columbus, Ohio, and Jacob Gevedon of Cincinnati, Ohio; as well as numerous dear friends who will deeply miss him.

From a young age, Ben had a passion for sports, playing football, basketball, and running track. He was also part of the Operettas music group in high school, which nurtured his love for music. Ben sang with his best friend, jazz musician Bob James, and continued his musical journey at St. Olaf College in Minnesota as part of their traveling choir. He later pursued business studies at Iowa State and graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Missouri Valley College, where he was a proud member of Sigma Nu fraternity. He truly enjoyed every day of his college experience.

In his early 20's, Ben and some friends traveled to Estes Park, CO to work for the summer. During his second summer bartending, he met his late wife, Barb, who stopped into the Wheel Bar for a libation. This is when the fireworks happened! Barb would laugh and say that her Ben was her “barTENder” and she was his “Bar-Fly!” This short, however, intense love affair led them into eternal matrimony on December 23, 1962. Throughout their married life, Ben and Barb maintained and spent many a beautiful summer’s seasons in Estes Park where they created wonderful memories with their family.

After they married, Ben began his career working for the GMAC and GMIC divisions of General Motors. General Motors moved the family from Kansas to Arkansas, New Jersey, Illinois, then finally to Ohio where they settled in Centerville. After his retirement, Ben started his own company, Auto Profits, a company that worked closely with car dealerships and their customer loyalty programs.

Together with Barb, Ben traveled the world, experiencing the wonders of Paris, London, Barcelona, Hawaii, Stockholm, and more, as they embraced the adventures life offered.

Ben will be fondly remembered for his kind and loving nature. He led his family with love, patience, and compassion, and was so proud of his children and grandchildren. His family was his greatest treasure. He had a gift for making everyone feel like a friend, and chose to see the best in everyone he met.

Cremation will take place and a private Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of Dayton (324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH 45420) or Canine Companions North Central Region (7480 New Albany-Condit Rd, New Albany, OH 43054).

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