Alex T. Mcswain

McSWAIN Jr., Alex T., age 83, of Sugarcreek Township, passed away Monday, November 29, 2021 at Hospice of Dayton following a short illness and the very recent passing of his wife of 53 years, Linda K. (Matheson). Alex was born November 18, 1938 in Anderson, SC to Colonel (USAF ret) Alexander T. and Betty (Menees) McSwain. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved Aunt, Pete Mead and his baby sister, Jane Smith. He is believed to be survived by his sister, Pat McQueen Thompson, and his brother, James McSwain and their families. He is survived by his children from his marriage to Carol Blaylock; son, Alexander “Tracy” & wife Holly McSwain III, their children, Austin and Mitchel and great grandchildren; and daughter, Kimberly Ann Hillard, her children, Danielle, Joel, and great grandchildren. Alex is also survived by his children from his marriage to Linda; Deb Roenker and her daughter, Kayleigh; and Rebecca & Scott Owen and their children, William and Clara.

As a military child, Alex grew up in South Carolina, Michigan, Ohio, Florida and other places, he briefly attended Cocoa Beach High School in FL as well as Wilbur Wright High School in Dayton, OH. He left school in 1956 to join the U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne Division. He ultimately ended up back in Dayton, OH, and was honorably discharged in 1962. Alex received his GED from the state of OH in 1964. He worked for the John T. Crouch Fire Safety Products Company in Dayton, OH, and later went to work for Benedict Enterprises Trucking in Monroe, OH. There he ascended to Vice President of the company, and later sat on the Board of Directors alongside his great friend and mentor, Arnold Benedict. Inspired by Arnold, he wanted to be his own boss, and in 1981 purchased a tiny service business operating in the back basement of a Kettering storefront. Alex, along with family and longstanding employees grew Kettering Overhead Door to a widely recognized and respected Dayton Area home improvement business. Alex aspired to be the kind of boss you could ask for a favor, and he’d help. He received much praise over the years for living up to this hope.

As a provider and a business owner early, he was able to take a more active social and parenting role later in life, becoming actively involved as a soccer parent, meeting many special years- long friends with whom he and Linda had great adventures and accumulated wonderful memories. He was a supporter of local area sports both personally and through business sponsorship. He was a fan of Centerville High School sports until the end. His biggest recreational passions were watching The Ohio State University play football, napping anywhere like a champion, and above all else, playing golf. He traveled all over the country from the 1960s until last season playing golf, watching golf, supporting young golfers. Alex was a protective parent, a doting grandparent and a supportive, generous friend for all of his days and will be greatly missed by family and business relations alike.

Burial Services at David's Cemetery Mausoleum, Kettering, for family and closest friends Tuesday, December 14 at 11:00am. Alex’s family would like to thank Miami Valley Hospital, and especially Hospice of Dayton for their help and care. In lieu of flowers: Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave, Dayton, OH 45420. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.routsong.com.

The family would like to make special mention of thanks to Jim Mills and Jack Leet of the Voss Auto group, Brian Leen of LS benefits, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Whitehead, Jim Holmes and the Bellbrook Subway for their friendship and kindness to Alex as he cared for Linda during her illness, and in his decline following her death. Alex was a loving, devoted husband and the best caregiver he could be to her, and he simply didn’t know how to keep on without her. We are comforted by picturing them dancing together again.