Karl Davis Swain

November 5, 1939 – December 16, 2024

Karl Davis Swain, 85, a longtime resident of Carmel, died on December 16, 2024, in Powder Spring, Ga. He was born in Indianapolis on November 5, 1939, to the late Huber and Mary Eunice (Davis) Swain of Lizton, Ind.

Karl graduated Valedictorian from Lizton High School in 1957. He then joined the US. Army and was stationed at Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, Alaska. After the Army, he attended Indiana University–Bloomington, where he met his future wife, Charlotte. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business from IU in 1964. He and Charlotte were married on June 19, 1965. The couple settled in Carmel as newlyweds and lived there for the next 58 years. Karl spent his last few years living in Tennessee and Georgia to be closer to his daughters and grandchildren.

Professionally, Karl worked as an accountant and auditor. He spent the majority of his career at ITT Educational Services as an internal auditor where he traveled across the United States. His career fed his passion for traveling, where he was able explore U.S. cities, visit relatives and friends from across the country, and try local cuisines in every location. He proudly visited all 50 states as well as most of the Presidential Libraries.

Throughout his life, Karl had a gift for stewardship. He volunteered hundreds of hours visiting with people who needed companionship. After retiring, he took this passion and became a licensed minister through the Commission on Ministry of the Christian Church in Indiana (Disciples of Christ) and served as a pastor of Congregational Care at Carmel Christian Church, the church where he was a member for over 50 years.

Karl loved local politics. He served on the Clay Township Advisory Board from 1981 to 1998 and was a precinct committeeman for the Woodland Precinct for over 30 years. He was also a delegate for the state Republican Convention multiple times. He was active in the Carmel Clay Republican Club throughout his time in Carmel.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Charlotte (Robbins) Swain; and his dear friend, Judy (Funk) Gest. He is survived by his brother, Ken (Brenda) Swain, Lizton, Ind.; daughter, Laurie (Chris) Vesper of Powder Springs, Ga.; son, George Swain of Indianapolis; daughter, Bethany (Warwick) Stone of Nashville, Tenn.; and grandchildren, James Vesper, Hannah Vesper, Sparrow (née Beatrix) Stone, August Stone, and Charlotte Stone.

A visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, January 18, and a Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, January 19, both events at Carmel Christian Church, 463 E. Main St., Carmel. Burial will be at the Fairview Cemetery in North Salem, Ind.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Carmel Christian Church Memorial Fund in Karl’s name at the above address.

Condolences: davisstruempf.com