Donald M. (Donny) Sweazy
May 26, 1962 – June 2, 2022
Loving husband, father, brother, friend to many. He was preceded in death by his parents, Don L. and Anita Sweazy, and sister, Donna Sweazy. He is survived by his wife, Donella, and son, Samuel; brothers, Ben Sweazy (Daria) and John Sweazy (Deb); and sister, Sue DeSousa (Joel).
VISITATION: Sunday, June 26th from 1pm to 4pm at the West Center Chapel. SERVICES: Monday, June 27th at 10am, West Center Chapel.
To view a live broadcast of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button on the home page.
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Don Sweazy passed away June 2, 2022 while vacationing with (as he would call them) his two favorite people.
Donny (as he was known to family) was reared on a family farm in Omaha, Nebraska with his two older brothers and one older sister. As a child he attended a small two-room school at District 67 until it closed. He entered sixth grade at Bennington Public Schools and graduated from Bennington High School in 1980. Donny enjoyed many sports and played basketball and baseball for his school. Don’s creative side expressed itself in vocal music, charcoal and pencil drawings, writing poems, stories and renewal vows for his family.
Growing up, Don had always wanted to be a farmer and was able to do that for two years after high school, by farming with his dad and brother, John. After the farm, he worked over 20 years for Benson Transfer.
Don had the desire and determination to someday become a fireman for Omaha. He accomplished that goal in April 2006 at the age of 44. He never regretted that decision and felt privileged to be part of Fire Station 56. He was promoted to Fire Apparatus Engineer in 2013.
Don unknowingly met his future bride, Donella Shirley, through an arranged “chance meeting” and they were married in 2009. God blessed them with the birth of their son, Samuel. Don’s unchanging goal was to build a loving home together with Donella and Samuel centered around the love of Christ.
Don was a man of confident faith in God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Don enjoyed sharing this love of Christ with everyone he met. One of his greatest joys was to minister to others at Temple Baptist Church. His desire to serve others has led him to take on leadership roles as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and AWANA club leader. Here his creativity came through with some of the best decorations and games for VBS.
Don’s willingness to serve others helped him to easily form many friendships and his passing will leave a big hole in many people’s lives.
He is survived by his wife, Donella, and their son, Samuel along with his brothers, Ben (Daria) Sweazy of Whitewater, Kansas; John (Deb) Sweazy of Lincoln, Nebraska; and his sister, Sue (Joel) DeSousa of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents, Don L. & Anita Sweazy and sister, Donna Sweazy.
17 Comments
Our hearts ache for you/yours loss; may GOD comfort you in knowing that Don is in the arms of Jesus … The Livingstons (Drew)
Don was a wonderful person who was respected and loved for being himself and living a life of servant leadership. May your memories and the love and support of all who knew Don, help you in the days ahead.
I went to school and graduated with Don. He was a very kind man who was timid but also outgoing! My oldest daughter was murdered a little over eight years ago and Don reached out to me a few times to see how I was doing. He also attended her services. Prior to that I had not spoken to him since graduating. That speaks volumes about him. My condolences to his wife, son, the rest of his family…also his firefighter and church family. What a tremendous loss! 😥
We first met Don when his “not-yet” bride became an educator in my music studio. Our prayers have been with Donella and young Samuel since we first heard about the accident. Don was a heroic kind man who loved the Lord. 🎶 May the angels lead him to Paradise 🎶
Uncle Don was the light in any room. His laugh was contagious, his smile always so welcoming. I will miss you forever. Rest easy
I was blessed to have grown up with the Sweazy family attending Temple Baptist Church together. I enjoyed Sunday School discussions with his comments and insights. Through the years, I watched him follow his mom’s footsteps in serving the church in various ways. He leaves an empty space in his church family Till we meet again! “Looking for that blessed hope.”
Don was a good friend of mine in high school! I remember attending Current Events class and playing basketball with him throughout our high school time together. I’m sad we went in different directions and did not keep in touch after graduation. I will miss him dearly.
Oh I am so sorry for your loss! I met Don at Temple Baptist Church. We were only there for about a year. He was a wonderful guy and a friend. Praying for you all.
I met Don at Benson Records in 2001 and we have been friends ever since. He had so much joy in his heart and loved life. He will be missed and I send prayers to his family for strength throughout life without his presence.
Sending prayers. ~ Kim
Don is a hero! He messenger me so many times to go to church and just to see how we are doing. I sure wish we would’ve made it to the service- we will miss you and love you- I tell everyone that he is a hero . We are praying for the family lots of love
Donella, I am so sorry for your loss and will be praying that God’s loving presence will surround you and Samuel. Sending much love.
Our hearts hurt for all of Donny’s loving family and friends. He was a warm and caring man, and had a servant’s heart for Jesus. So thankful he is now with his savior. 💖
Sending prayers for comfort and knowing Don is with Jesus. Aloha and God Bless,.
Linda and I want to express our deepest sympathy. We pray Gods comfort on you and your family. You will all be in our prayers.
Our family sends prayers and love to Donella, Samuel, and all of the family during the days ahead. We had the privilege of visiting with the Sweazy family when they came to South Carolina a couple of times. I’ve never seen Don without a big smile on his face. He evidenced a love for family and Christ. He had a gracious way of treating everyone around him, and I know that made him a wonderful public servant. Prayers that all who are missing him will come to know the great heart of God who holds all things secure.
Donella and Samuel….I attended Don’s beautiful service online….what a blessing it was.! You were both beautiful and I know Don would have been so pleased and proud of you both! I’m sending all my love and prayers to you to keep you wrapped in peace for the next few months….Love you both…Aunt Bettilou
What a beautiful legacy of godly faith and love he left for his family to follow in. Continuing to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Kenny and Bonnie Elledge
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