Michael R. Jewett

Michael R. Jewett, 85, of Goshen, died at his home Tuesday afternoon, July 15, 2008.  He was born in Wolcott, Indiana, on August 14, 1922, to Robert and Olive (Seifert) Jewett.  He married Barbara L. Carpenter Swihart on June 10, 1973 in Goshen. She survives. A Goshen resident since 1970, Mr. Jewett retired from the Elkhart County Extension Office.  He was a member of Brenneman Memorial Missionary Church, Goshen; the Jewett Family of America, Inc.; AARP, Epilson Sigma Phi Fraternity, National Association of County Agents; Army Reserve Officers Association; and the Purdue University Association. A 1934 graduate of Purdue University, Mr. Jewett served with the Army during World War II and in the Army Active Reserves for 32 years, retiring with the rank of Colonel. He was a former member and past president of the Goshen Noon Kiwanis Club. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; two daughters, Dawn (Craig) Jackson of Middlebury, and Pamela (Mark)Thacker of Fishers, Indiana; three sons, Bruce (Kathleen) Swihart of Bloomington, Indiana, Randall (Paula) Swihart of Middlebury, and jack Swihart of South Bend; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Kathleen (Joseph) Seale of Merrillville, Indiana, and nancy (James) Jones of Lafayette. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Rebecca Jewett; a brother, Hale Jewett; and four sisters, Audrey Cole, Mary Haan, Lois Reichart, and Virginia Gochenour. Friends may call 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, July 17 and from 9 to 10 a.m., Friday at the funeral home. A 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 18, 2008, funeral service will be held at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.  Pastors Bill Richardson and Gordon Bacon of Brenneman Memorial Missionary Church, Goshen, will officiate. Burial will be in Violett Cemetery, Goshen. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or American Diabetes Association.