Remembering Doyle Swanner

When Union College created the Athletic Hall of Fame its design was to honor individuals for academic and athletic accomplishments. The honor also distinguishes those inductees for their life accomplishments and success as well. Doyle Swanner was inducted in 2010 for his role in the 1955 Union College Track Team as a team of distinction. He graduated in 1957 from Union College with honors before embarking on a 30 plus years career as an educator and science teacher within the Bell County School District. With a love for science Doyle Swanner touched the lives of thousands who sat in desk within in classroom. He also made a mark on the lives of student athletes as a coach and encourager to students who participated in not only track sports, but basketball, football, baseball and more especially those who had an interest in tennis, a sport he loved. Doyle Swanner as a Hall of Fame member at Union College also represented his family well as a citizen. His parents, Walter and Sarah who lived and worked in the Arjay Community raised their 11 children to be responsible with a work ethic that reflects the determination and character of the mountain people. Doyle Swanner was unique in that he never forgot his college friends and cherished memories of his days at Union as a Bulldog. He loved telling of his experiences. His brother, Earl Dean Swanner, now retired as an Agent of State Farm after 30 years of service to the people of Bell County shared at Doyle's memorial service that he was a student of his brothers in high school. He said, "I was a good student and made all A's except for one class, my brother Doyle gave me a B". The Swanner Children are all distinguished in their careers and professions. Their parents grew-up in hard times in our country but they gave to each of their children a rich history of identity and drive to achieve. The value of any community is the education that takes place in the home and Walter and Sarah Swanner were successful teachers to their children. The impact of a single family can be demonstrated by reviewing the steps of their children, grand-children and great-grandchildren as they each write their verse into history. A part of the legacy Doyle Swanner himself leaves was his quite yet strong confidence and influence he shared with his students about the importance of education and the value of Union as a place to advance yourself through hard work and academics. When the Kentucky Community College system began he was one of the first to begin teaching night classes so the youth of the mountains could get ahead in their under-graduate pursuits. A further demonstration that he knew his role and he followed his pursuits across the generational lines to make a difference. Sometimes in life we know someone because we see them regularly, yet only in passing do we know them. Doyle Swanner served as the clock keeper for athletic events at Bell County High School for over 50 years. One of his pleasure of his life was witnessing the careers of students athletes on the court and those who officiated sporting events as Kentucky High School Athletic Association Basketball Officials. His role was keeping the clock but also welcoming them to the table prior to entering the floor of competition. A help to students throughout the 13th Region and a friend to each player, coach and team. While they all may not have known his name, they knew his face and his judgment and service was never questioned. Here in the mountains of Southeastern Kentucky we can sometimes forget about the rich history and opportunities afforded here. Doyle Swanner was not one of those. His passion was to applaud anyone who was dreaming and going in addition to helping those who seem to have lost their way or purpose. As a Christian, Doyle was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Pineville. He had served and been ordained as an Elder and Deacon in the Presbytery. He was a willing volunteer for programs and events and like most church members claimed his spot or pew for worship services. The tradition of 'having a spot' is an indication of his regular devotion and commitment to assemble as a believer. Mr. Swanner, as I always referred to him, easily would identify himself as someone that was not perfect but a traveler on life's journey. The value of faith was not something overlooked within his life. The Presbyterian Church practices congregational confession of sins each Sunday. The Presbyterian Faith also practices acceptance of God's love and forgiveness of sins in complete confidence because of the actions of Jesus Christ on our behalf. There are many things that make an individual who they are, but only one connection that provides a foundation for life and that would be faith. In death we discover life. Now through a glass darkly but then face to face. Until then