DAYTON — Eric Steven Swiger, 39, of Dayton, Ohio, formerly of Sidney, passed away at 2:41 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017, at The Ohio State University Medical Center following a five-year battle with a rare form of thyroid cancer.

He was born on April 14, 1977, in Piqua, Ohio, the son of Steven and Joanne (Blake) Swiger of Sidney.

In addition to his parents, Eric is survived by his fiancé, Elizabeth "Libby" Groves, of Dayton; brothers, Nick (Jamie) Swiger, of Tustin, Michigan, and Brandon (Ashley) Swiger, of Sidney; stepson, Michael Groves; nephews, Blake, Kade and Tyce Swiger; nieces, Madison, Kaleigh and Masyn Swiger; uncles, John (Meredith) Blake, and Dan (Susan) Swiger; aunts, Judy Cruse and Nancy (Robert) Daugherty; and his rescue furry canine pal, Yoda.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Orville (Juanita) Swiger and James (Rosemary) Blake.

Eric was a graduate of Sidney High School, class of 1995. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Wright State University. Following school, Eric taught in the Dayton Public Schools. Most recently, he worked as a dietary technician for Heartland of Beavercreek. Eric enjoyed reading and playing fetch out back with Yoda. He was an avid gamer and loved getting together with friends to play games on a weekly basis. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family.

In keeping with Eric's wishes, his body will be cremated.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017, at 1 p.m., at Cromes-Edwards Funeral Home, 302 S. Main Ave., with the Rev. Dr. David Chivington officiating.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to SCARF in Eric's memory. Guest-book condolences and expressions of sympathy may be made to the Swiger family at the funeral home's website, www.cromesfh.com.