John B. Swisher

John Burton Swisher, a transformative figure in animal agriculture and founder of United Animal Health, passed away peacefully at his home in Carmel, Indiana, on October 25, 2024.

Born on August 15, 1929, in Danville, Illinois, to parents Karl Hugh Swisher and Alma Russell Swisher, John developed an early interest in agriculture and animal health through his family’s feed mill business. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1951 with a degree in animal science. That same year, he married his grade school sweetheart, Jean Theurer, and together they founded United Feeds in Sheridan, Indiana, in 1956.

John grew the company into a world leader in animal nutrition, driven by his belief in delivering high-quality, on-farm nutrition solutions for livestock producers. His commitment to quality, integrity, and long-term relationships with customers helped shape the swine industry. As United Feeds expanded and diversified into all aspects of animal health, it ultimately was rebranded as United Animal Health. John’s legacy includes an industry-first animal nutrition research division and several strategic acquisitions, which helped position the company as a trusted partner for livestock producers.

Even after his official retirement, John remained deeply involved with United Animal Health, contributing and attending meetings into his 90s. United Animal Health continues to uphold his vision of innovation and service to its customers. His passion, dedication, and warmth leave an exemplary legacy in both agriculture and his community.

Throughout his career, John received many awards, including the Sagamore of the Wabash, August M. Watanabe Life Sciences Champion of the Year, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Business Leader of the Year, the Ernst & Young Indiana Master Entrepreneur, and an induction into the Indiana Business Hall of Fame. His dedication to advancing the swine industry is recognized through the John B. Swisher Leadership Award, presented annually at the World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Iowa. He was especially proud of the honorary doctorate he received from Purdue University in 2004.

A committed philanthropist, John supported numerous causes in his community and beyond. He was particularly interested in those benefiting education and health care, as well as those related to his own professional interests such as the Indiana Pork Producers Association, Junior Achievement, and Indiana FFA. He was also involved in and dedicated to many organizations and causes in Sheridan, where his company remains headquartered.

While John was proud of his career accomplishments, family was the cornerstone of his life and Jean’s throughout their 73 years of marriage. Their devotion to one another, their enduring love, and their mutual respect inspired all who knew them. John cherished his role as a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, instilling in his family the same values of hard work, integrity, kindness, and, above all, honesty. At the same time, he was also known for his marvelous sense of humor, his quick wit, his keen interest in language, and the many poems he wrote over the years, culminating in his publishing a small volume.

John is survived by his loving wife, Jean; daughter Ellen Swisher Crabb and her husband, David Crabb; grandchildren Kathryn Crabb Scherer (Alex), Lillian Crabb Cardwell (Zach), Jill Corbett Biddle (Steve), Tom Swisher Corbett (Betsy); ten great grandchildren; and many other family members and friends. The family is especially grateful for the devotion and loving care of Sandra Barron. John was preceded in death by his younger daughter, Mary Swisher Corbett; her husband, John Corbett, survives her.

A service honoring his life will be held on Monday, November 4, 11:00am, at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 1660 Kessler Boulevard East Drive, Indianapolis. A reception at Woodstock will follow.

A scholarship in John’s honor is being established at Purdue University, School of Agriculture. Memorial contributions may be made to Purdue Foundation. In the memo line write: John B. Swisher Scholarship (071722)

Mail to:

Purdue Foundation

Gift Processing

P.O. Box 772401

Detroit, MI, 48277-2401