Orville Sweat

Orville R. Sweat, 68 years, a lifelong resident of Monroe, MI went home to be with the Lord on Monday, October 10, 2011 at Toledo Hospital in Toledo, OH. Born December 13, 1942 in Monroe, Orville was the son of the late Emery and Georgia Sweat. He attended school in Monroe and was a 1962 graduate of Monroe High School. He also attended Evergreen Acres Missionary Baptist Church. Orville served his country honorably and proudly as a private in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Orville served from February 23, 1967 to February 20, 1969. For his heroism he was awarded; the Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, the National Defense Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Orville worked as a maintenance man for Chrysler’s Trenton Engine Plant for 15 years from which he retired in 1986. His prior employment included working as a maintenance man for the United States Postal Service in Wyandotte. Orville was a member of the VFW Post 1138 and the Vietnam Veterans of America Post 142. Orville was a true animal lover and a fan of Loretta Lynn, Elvis Presley and the Detroit Tigers. A truly wonder person, Orville enjoyed laughing and eating, he especially enjoyed his sister Janet’s yellow cake, fresh out of the oven, with chocolate frosting. More than anything Orville enjoyed family. He had a special and wonderful relationship with his many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. He is survived by 3 brothers; Clyde (Pam) Sweat of Monroe, Norman (Alma) Sweat of Cache, OK, Herbert (Peggy) Sweat of Monroe, and 2 sisters; Janet E. (Jim) Patterson and Linda S. Knaggs both of Monroe. In addition to his parents, Orville was preceded in death by 2 brothers; Duncan and Larry Sweat, a sister Virginia Abrams, 3 infant sisters and 2 infant brothers. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 1-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., in Monroe, where funeral services celebrating Orville’s life will be held on Friday, October 14, 2011 at 1:00 PM. The Rev. Ronald Schultz pastor of Grace Lutheran Church and Tom Treece of Guided Ministries will officiate. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park where the VFW Post 1138 will conduct military honors. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Monroe Humane Society.