Shannon Swortzel

Shannon Walter Swortzel, 76, a resident of Rockingham, passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Sentara RMH Medical Center.

Shannon was born on August 25, 1950 in Waynesboro, VA and was a son of the late Walter Lynn and Mildred Elaine Shifflett Swortzel.

Shannon was a graduate of Waynesboro High School and Eastern Mennonite College and Seminary. He spent several years as a Methodist minister before transitioning into the agricultural industry where he spent decades serving farmers and making many dear friendships. Shannon’s greatest passions were spending time with his family and serving others.

He loved going to church, hiking, fishing, reading books, playing chess, telling stories, sharing jokes, The Andy Griffith Show and anything else he could do with his family.

On August 24, 1969, he married Sandra Earl Masters Swortzel who survives.

Also surviving are his children, Chris Swortzel and wife Lori of Rockingham, Matthew Swortzel of Rockingham, Jennifer Caruana and husband James of Georgia, Jassica Persinger and husband Zach of Harrisonburg, Tiffany Randall and husband Brett of Australia; grandchildren, Meagan Ours and husband Chad, Caleb Swortzel and wife Morgan, Jovin Swortzel, Toby Swortzel, Cole Swortzel, Daun Rice and husband Caleb, Andrew Caruana and wife Daisy, Amanda Caruana, Laura Persinger, Hope Persinger and husband Dalton, Darcy Randall, Charlie Randall, Kayla Randall; and great-grandchildren, Chase Ours, Cassidy Ours, Betty Belle Caruana, Emma Persinger, Mabel Persinger and Thelma Lou Caruana.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Swortzel was preceded in death by his son, Shannon Allen Swortzel; brother, Roger Lynn Swortzel; and sister, Ruth Porter.

Pastors Chris Swortzel and Ken Horst will conduct a celebration of life service on Friday, September 25, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Weavers Mennonite Church. Burial will be held privately.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at Shady Oak at Weavers Mennonite Church.

Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.mcmullenfh.com.

McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.