Paul A. Swales

Born on July 7, 1928 in Clearfield, he was the son of Arnold and Gwendolyn K. (Barr) Swales. On October 28, 1950 he and the former Mary L. Stebbins were married at West Side United Methodist Church in Clearfield; she survives at home.

Paul was a graduate of Clearfield High School, Class of 1946. He was a 1946 PIAA State Wrestling Champion and remained active in the sport as a competitor and referee until the mid-1960s. In 2009 he was inducted into the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association District IX Wrestling Hall of Fame.

He was an Army veteran, having served overseas with the Army National Guard 200th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, Battery “A” during the Korean War. Paul was a member of West Side United Methodist Church, Local 493 of the International Printers, Pressmen, and Assistants Union, Clearfield Lodge # 314 F&AM, and the Keystone Travel Trailer Club.

Paul retired from Kurtz Bros. in 1990 after 46 years of employment as a rulerman. He was also a talented craftsman and enjoyed working throughout his entire adult life “out at the shop”, Swales Woodworking, until 2020.

In addition to his wife, Paul is survived by their four children: Paul “Scott” Swales (Sharon) of Shelocta, Brenda Kennedy and Arnold “Boo” Swales of Clearfield, and Dr. Thad Swales of Hermitage, PA. Also surviving are six grandchildren: Michael P. Kennedy, Sarah Corner, Beau Swales, Sydney Swales, Kassity Swales, and Jamison “JT” Swales, as well as four great-grandchildren: Ella, Michael “MJ”, Charlotte, and Maddox. He is also survived by a sister, Shirley Evans (Bruce) of Clearfield.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Cora Mae Schnars and Gwendolyn Condon, and son-in-law Michael J. Kennedy.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the West Side United Methodist Church on Saturday November 5, 2022 at 11:00 AM with Pastor David McElwee officiating. Friends will be received at the church on Friday, November 4 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the hour of services.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the West Side United Methodist Church, 317 Nichols Street, Clearfield, PA 16830 or to the Clearfield Mat Club, P.O. Box 30, Clearfield PA 16830.

The Bennett and Houser Funeral Home, Inc. of Clearfield is in charge of the arrangements

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bennettandhouser.com for the Swales family.