Matthew Nahoka Swisher

Pastor Matt Nahoka Swisher joined his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at the Fort Bayard Medical Center in Santa Clara, NM.  He was 74. 

Matt was born to Harry Swisher and Eva Butterfield (Swisher) on October 16, 1944.  He joined the United States Air Force July 1962 where he earned a Small Arms Marksmanship and a certificate of training as a fabric, leather, and rubber products repairman for military aircraft.  He was honorably discharged July 1964.  Pastor Matt was ordained in 1971 and pastored the UPC Church in Silver City until 1973.  He and his family moved to Wisconsin where he served as a correctional officer for seven years in Wisconsin State Prisons.  In 1979 Matt moved back to his beloved Silver City home, pastored and oversaw operations at the Silver City Gospel Mission for eight years where he helped over 1800 families.  He also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the Western New Mexico University and a certificate of appreciation from the Amnesty International Organization for his commitment to the fight to end violence against women and girls.

Pastor Matt is survived by his wife of 18 years, Anne Swisher (Shapter); his second wife Paula and their children, Nathan and Jonathan; his first wife Darlene and their children Nellene (Rick), Kay (John), Chris (Bob), Bubby (Noelle) and three brothers.  Pastor Matt was the proud grandpa of 17 grandchildren and ten great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Daniel; grandson, Kristopher; three brothers and one sister.

We would like to express our gratitude to neighbors Ray and Sally Leyba for their compassionate care and help they have given to Matt and Anne and to the Fort Bayard staff whom he also called family.

According to Pastor Matt’s wishes, there will be no funeral service; however, there will be a visual ceremony for friends and family at Snow Lake in the spring.  Date and time will be announced at a later date.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Matthew Nahoka Swisher, please visit our floral store.