Obituary of Larry Keith Swisher

Larry Keith Swisher, 81, finished his race on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Born on November 24, 1942, in Jeffersonville, IN, to Neil Swisher and Mary Ann Scholl, Larry’s life could be defined by resilience. He took pride in working hard and chose to honor his family, country, and the Lord. He took life seriously—so seriously, in fact, that he would put on a suit to go to the Kentucky State Fair.

After attending Male High School, Larry joined the Air Force at only 17 to serve his country. After serving, he married Mae Lou. They were married for over 60 years and had four children. The family often joked that their union should have earned Mae Lou an Olympic gold medal. Together, they built a home filled with laughter, love, and faith. Larry and Mae Lou’s devotion to their family is an example of resilient commitment, rooted in their faith as longtime members of Birchwood church of Christ and more recently of Eastland church of Christ.

Larry started his career at Lincoln Income and climbed his way to the top as a successful business owner and entrepreneur. But when a serious health issue materialized in the 1980s, he lost nearly everything he had built. With his wife, Mae Lou, and four children depending on him, Larry hit the pavement to rebuild his career, and was one of the hardest-working individuals in the insurance business. With his trusted bride overseeing the home front, his sometimes 70-hour work weeks were a testament to their persistence in building a wonderful life together. A testament to his dedication to his family and friends, he had some stellar partners along the way like David Phillips and John Cullinane—and some "suspect" ones, notably his three loving boys.

Aside from being a titan of insurance, at home there was a softer side to Larry. Affectionately known as “Poppy” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Larry was generous with his time, money, and knowledge. He desired to impart lasting lessons to his family, and on countless Saturdays, one could find Larry in his recliner doling out his wisdom to his children, their children, and their children’s children while they gathered around him in “Poppy’s room.” Oftentimes, the gatherings coordinated around his favorite team, the University of Kentucky’s, game schedule. Larry also had a soft spot for his canine companions—Lobo, Mazie, and Muffin—who were never far from his lap, especially in his later years.

For all of Larry’s hard work and discipline, he had a mischievous streak. From pranks to dry humor, Larry was a force of nature. While he loved spending time with his family, Larry liked to remind everyone that the toughest day of his year was their traditional hours-long Christmas Eve shopping trip to Oxmoor Mall, using one of his oft-quoted sayings, “Let’s hurry and go so we can hurry and come back.” However, Larry’s true feelings are best reflected in some of his last words to a few of his granddaughters, “Ladies, it’s been a pleasure.” 

Larry’s sharp wit, boundless love for his family, and unwavering dedication to his work will be deeply missed. In his nearly 82 years, he lived a life filled with laughter, hard work, and, most importantly, love. 

Larry is survived by his wife, Mae Lou LeGrand Swisher; his children, Mark Swisher (Margaret), Jill Swisher Davis (Patrick), Eric Swisher (Amy), and Keith Swisher (Hollie); grandchildren, Merritt Purdom, Beau Swisher, Mark K. Swisher II, Ellie Morris, Patrick Lee Davis, Easton Swisher, Parker Davis, Paige Davis, Brooke Swisher, Katie Swisher, Piper Davis, Tripp Swisher, Robby Swisher, and Will Swisher; honorary grandson, Alex Perez; great-grandchildren, Weston, Blakely, Reagan, Millie Kate, Tyson, Axel, Mack, Mason,River, Shea, Rylee Mae, Madden, and Sunny; his sister, Rena Bissig; and his half-sister, Annetta Stith Martin.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Lyle Swisher.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Fern Creek Funeral Home from 2-7 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at Fern Creek Funeral Home, with visitation preceding from 11-12. A private family graveside service will follow at Cave Hill Cemetery. 

Pallbearers will be Beau Swisher, Mark Swisher II, Patrick Lee Davis, Easton Swisher, Parker Davis, Tripp Swisher, Will Swisher, and Alex Perez.

Larry’s legacy of love, hard work, and devotion to his family will continue to inspire those he leaves behind. His memory will live on in the stories, laughter, and love shared by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Saffell House Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.saffellhousefuneralhome.com.