Benjamin Swatzel, 22

Benjamin A. Swatzel, 22, of Mountain Home, died Monday, June 6, 2005, in a car accident in Wyoming.

Services in celebration of his life were held Monday, June 13, at the First Congregational Church in Mountain Home. Local arrangements were under the direction of Rost Funeral Home.

Benjamin was born to Pam and Garry Swatzel at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., on April 20, 1983. The family subsequently moved from New Mexico to Germany, and then to Mountain Home.

When Ben was growing up, he was active in his church and the Boy Scouts. He was confirmed at the First Congregational Church (United Church of Christ), and active in the youth group, as well as in Scout Troop 57.

Ben graduated from Mountain Home High School in 2001. After graduation Ben held several jobs. Until recently he started working in construction in the Ketchum area, where he discovered he enjoyed both carpentry and cooking. At the time of his death he was trying to discern which career path he wished to pursue.

"Ben loved animals, and was an avid collector of video games comic books and baseball cards. He will be sorely missed by his family and countless friends," his family said.

He is survived by: his parents, Garry and Pam; his brothers, Ryan Swatzel of Mountain Home and John and his wife, Sandra, of Fort Campbell, Kent.; his maternal grandparents, Lyle and Beryl of Knoxville, Tenn.; paternal grandfather Gareth Swatzel of Twin Falls, and his paternal grandmother, Gloria Hanes, of Kimberly; As well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.