Edward Eugene “Ned” Swaim

Edward Eugene “Ned” Swaim, 73 of Tipton was born on August 18, 1949, in Elwood, Indiana, son of Howard and Mary Adona (Shaw) Swaim, and crossed over to eternal life on September 1, 2022.

Edward will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. Among his many admirable traits: a gifted storyteller, a sly humorist, an astute political observer, an accomplished musician, a dedicated visual artist, a responsible global citizen, and a caring friend.

Edward grew up in Tipton where he enjoyed playing little league. He graduated from Tipton High School in 1967 where he served as class president his junior and senior year.

Music was a lifelong and deeply felt passion for him. With classmates from high school, Edward formed a band called Gulliver’s Travels and later was a bass player for The Taxmen, a busy side gig to his studies at Ball State University. The band had steady bookings throughout the Indiana/Ohio concert circuit year-round. In addition, as college kids, they found themselves opening for stellar bands MC5 in Indian Lake, Ohio and The Paul Butterfield Blues Band at the University of Cincinnati. Edward’s solo on Cream’s “Badge” was his signature. His commitment to musical excellence was a lifelong pursuit and one he shared with his granddaughters who, no doubt, will continue to be inspired by the gift he gave them.

He graduated from Ball State University in 1971 with a B.S. in Art. He was the standout student in his art studies, one to whom fellow students looked to for creative inspiration and his teachers regarded as multi-talented. His sculptures, jewelry, photography, and paintings are a lasting reminder of his gift.

In 1974 he and friend Jane Fitzgerald opened Leo & Jane, a graphic art studio in Arlington, Virginia, later changing the name to Fitzgerald & Swaim. They were commissioned to produce the advertising for the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. one year and Ned was the designer of the art for the very first Tipton County Pork Festival. Due to health issues, Edward withdrew from the business in September 1998. Shortly after that he returned to Tipton.

He is survived by his son Todd Swaim, daughter in-law Heidi Swaim, granddaughters Ruby and Eleanor Swaim, Los Angeles; sisters Cassandra Plake, Tipton and Cindy Ison , brother in-law Ted Ison, Kokomo; several nieces and nephews. Ned was preceded in death by his parents, nephew Barry Plake, and lifelong friend Fritz Surber.

He was so proud of Todd and he adored his granddaughters and was fortunate to spend a week with them just two weeks prior to his death.

A memorial service for Ned will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 30 at Young-Nichols Funeral Home. The family will receive friends starting at 3:00 p.m. until the time of the service.  Ned donated his body to science for medical education and he will be buried with his parents at Fairview Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions in honor of Edward may be made to the American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, Illinois, 60674 or the Kemp United Methodist Church, 228 N. Main Street, Tipton, Indiana, 46072.