Chester “Checkie” Edward Swearinger, 85, of Hustonville departed this life for eternity at home on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 after a year and half battle with myelodysplastic syndrome. He was born on September 13, 1940, to the late Gilbert and Nellie Shepperson Swearingen.

A skilled brick mason and talented woodcraftsman, Chester took great pride in working with his hands. He worked for Boyle Masonry and Gary Douglas Builder for many years. One of his most meaningful accomplishments was the cabin at Lake Cumberland that he and his wife created where a multitude of memories have been made and will continue to be a reminder for his family of his love for his children, grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren. A man of few words, he did not express his feelings through what he said but more by working hard to help provide for his family, lending a helping hand with various projects and being there always when his family needed him.

Chester will be deeply missed by his devoted wife of 61 years, Phyllis Southerland Swearinger; son, Bryan Edward (Robin) Swearinger of Lexington; daughters: Jennifer (Michael) Mills of Stanford, and Rebecca (Scott) Gels of OH; 4 grandchildren: Alaina (Will) Cooper, McKenna (Luke) Brannon, Madison Gels, and Elijah Gels; 3 great-grandchildren: Woods Cooper, Reed Cooper, and Henry Brannon; and sisters: Doris Maddox of Butchertown and Linda (H.M.) Durham of Stanford. Additionally, he will be missed by extended family of brothers-in-law and sister-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by brother, Junior Swearingen; sister, Brenda Lane; and grandson, Nicholas Mills.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 31, 2026, at W.L. Pruitt Funeral Home from 5-7 PM with Memorial Service officiated by Bro. Gary Douglas. In keeping with his wishes, cremation will follow with interment at Butchertown Cemetery at a later date. Honorary pallbearers will be Dwight Boyle, Jason Durham, Timmy Lane, Allen Maddox, Barry Smith, and Dawson Terrell. 

Memorial contributions suggested to Friendship Baptist Church of Butchertown, Attn: June Southerland, 224 Friendship Lane, Parksville, KY 40464 or Butchertown Community Center, Attn: Marilyn Raitiere, 278 Friendship Lane, Parksville, KY 40464 (In Memory of Chester Swearinger). The family would also like to encourage anyone who is able to consider a blood donation to the KY Blood Center to help other families get the same gift of time that other blood donors gave us. Any donation will make an immeasurable difference to other families. 

W.L. Pruitt Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.