John Switzer

John Austin Switzer, age 85, of Ocean Springs passed away peacefully on September 30, 2018, surrounded by family.
He attended Notre Dame High School in Biloxi where he was a member of the band. He later attended Biloxi High School, from which he graduated, and he was also a member of the Biloxi High School Band. He then attended USM and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.
John was a parishioner of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Ocean Springs. Over the years he served as a lector, eucharistic minister, catechist, and member of the parish council. He was a Fourth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He formerly attended St. Alphonsus Catholic Church where he also served in numerous lay ministries. He had also served on the Finance Council of the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi. He was active in the Cursillo Movement of South Mississippi, having served as not only rector of men's weekends but as lay director as well.
John worked all his life, even from his youngest days. This included time working at White's Hardware Store, the family business once located on Howard Avenue in Biloxi. He served the local community for many years as the Vice-President and branch manager of the Ocean Springs State Bank, which later became the Hancock Bank. He was one of two partners of L&S Construction Company and developed well-known subdivisions in Ocean Springs.
He was a founding partner and President of SunStates Management and later founded The Renaissance Group. He was one of the original members of Treasure Oak Country Club.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Hilda White Switzer Nixon; his father, George Switzer; grandparents, O. T. and Nora White; and sister, Dorothy White Pardee, all of Biloxi. John is survived by his loving wife, Avis Vignes Switzer. They were looking forward to the celebration of their 60th wedding anniversary in February. The exchange of their wedding vows was presided over Msgr. Jeffrey T. O'Connell at Nativity BVM Cathedral. They were thankful for their many years of marriage blessed by the Lord.
He is also survived by his sons, The Rev. Dr. John B. Switzer (Patsy) and James Austin Switzer (Sharon), granddaughter Austyn Switzer Ledet (Joseph), great-grandchildren Jaiden Murray, Gia Linnelle Ledet, Amara Ledet, and niece Linda Thomas and her family.
His family will always remember him as an avid reader, and a person who enjoyed learning in all its forms, doting over his grandchild and great-grandchildren. A strong and intelligent man, he was no stranger to life's greatest challenges. He survived Hurricane Camille in 1969 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005; after both of these storms he rebuilt his home in Ocean Springs.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:30 pm on Thursday, October 4, 2018, at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Ocean Springs.  Visitation will be from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm.  Interment will be in Biloxi National Cemetery.
The RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd, West Jackson County, is serving the family and an online guestbook may be signed and condolences offered at www.riemannfamily.com
In lieu of flowers the family request a memorial to St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church 4900 Riley Road, Ocean Springs, MS  39564
The family of John Austin Switzer would like to thank everyone for their condolences during this sorrowful time in the loss of their husband, father, grandfather and friend.
We truly appreciate all kindness shown to our family.  May God Bless Each of You.
The John Austin Switzer Family...