Clarksville pastor's condition improving

PUBLISHER'S NOTE: In the time since this article was printed, Val Swinton is now awake and speaking with family, according to updates from family members on Facebook.

According to recent updates from family members, Clarksville pastor and former mayor Val Swinton’s condition seems to be improving.

On March 26, the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Butler County, and Swinton’s family asked the community to join in prayer for his recovery from the coronavirus, as he fought for his life in critical condition in ICU, on a ventilator in a medically induced coma.

The outlook last week was grim, as doctors gave Swinton only a slim chance of pulling through on March 29. But by April 5, his condition had made notable strides, and he no longer had a fever.

“He has been opening his eyes often today, a lot more than yesterday. He’s still not following commands, but the nurses do think that he can hear what’s going on around him. It will be a long road until my dad is himself again. Slowly, but surely, it seems like he is fighting his way back to us.” son Sam Swinton said in an update posted publicly on Facebook.

News of Swinton’s hospitalization hit the Clarksville community at its heart, and prayers and well-wishes for his recovery have poured in from throughout Butler County, the state and nation.

“Not only is he a former mayor, he’s a dear friend of ours, loved and respected by so many. The news of him contracting the virus was devastating,” said Clarksville City Clerk Lori Peterson. “We continue to keep him and his family in our thoughts and prayers. It’s incredible how the community has rallied around him and continues to do so. I can’t imagine the world without him.”

Swinton’s family thanked the community for their continued support.

“With all the prayers, positive energy, and good vibes sent my father’s way, it would appear he has turned the corner and is on the road to recovery!” Sam Swinton said.