COAL GROVE — Joseph Cloran “Goog” Swarts passed away Monday, March 7, 2011, at Jo-Lin Health Center. Joe was 77 years old. He was born Jan. 24, 1934. He was the son of the late George and Udell Cloran Swarts. He was the husband of Rose Ellen Compliment Swarts for 56 years. They were married Dec. 28, 1954. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1952. He resided in Coal Grove for the past 50 years.

Upon completion of his military service, he returned to Ironton and was employed by Alpha Portland Cement. He coached varsity baseball and Junior High basketball at St. Joseph Schools. Joe spent 40 years as a football and basketball referee and a baseball umpire in Ohio and Kentucky. In 1999 Joe was elected to the Ohio High School Athletic Association Officials Hall of Fame in Columbus.

Joe was instrumental in the development of the Dow Recreation Area in Haverhill, where he was employed.

Joe was involved in youth sports whether it be football, basketball, baseball or softball for many years. When he retired, Joe could be found at the Coal Grove Little League which was named The Joe Swarts Sports Complex in 1995 because of his time spent maintaining the fields, coaching, and umpiring games as needed.

After being sidelined from officiating due to a medical condition, Joe stayed involved in high school sports by running the clock, running the chains, and keeping score books for the Dawson-Bryant schools.

He was preceded in death by one brother, George Swarts.

He was a member of St. Joseph Church and was part of the men’s choir for 40 years.

He is survived by his wife Rose and children Mike and Cindy Swarts of Coal Grove; Tim and LeAnn Swarts of Flatwoods, Ky.; Mary and Jeff Waddle of Ironton; Susie and Mark Stewart of St. Mary’s, Ga.; Greg Swarts and Amy Simpson of Ashland, Ky.; one brother Francis ( Jerry) and B.J. Swarts of Lake Port, Mich.; grandchildren, Katie and Ben Murphy, Jessica Waddle, Zach Waddle, Alex Swarts, Allison Swarts, Holli Swarts, Randi Swarts, Natalie Swarts, Stephanie Swarts and Adam Stewart; one great grandchild, Collin Murphy; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral will be Thursday at noon at O’Keefe-Baker Funeral Home with Rev. David Huffman officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.