David Brian Schweikhardt

September 14, 1958-June 2, 2017

 

Dr. David Brian Schweikhardt, 58, passed away unexpectedly in his home in East Lansing, Mich., on June 2, 2017. He was born in New Castle, Ind., a son of the late Richard and Emma (Caudill) Schweikhardt, on Sept. 14, 1958.

David was a professor at Michigan State University, where he specialized in agricultural policy, trade policy and law in the Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics. He was appointed in the tenure system at MSU and was an extension agricultural economist. David graduated from Tri-High School in 1976. He received his bachelor of science degree with highest distinction from Purdue University in agricultural economics, and a master of science degree and Ph.D. in agricultural economics from Michigan State University. He earned a law degree from MSU and was a member of the State Bar of Michigan.

His research and extension work focused on agriculture and trade policy, including the North American Free Trade Agreement, the World Trade Organization and all U.S. farm bills since 1990.

Before going to MSU from 1988-92, he was an assistant professor at Mississippi State University teaching courses in agricultural economics, policies and international trade.

Surviving him are two brothers – Lyle “Doug” (Ruth) Schweikhardt of Rushville, Ind., and their children Shawn of Indianapolis and Ryan of Rushville; and Carl Schweikhardt of Indianapolis – aunts Juel Shepherd of Knightstown, Ruth Williams and Ruth Caudill of Dunreith, Dorothy Stover of Spiceland, Ind., and Sarah Caudill of Montgomery, Ala.; uncles Everett Caudill of New Castle, Ind., and Leonard Caudill of Florence, S.C.; and several cousins.

A Celebration of Life was held in East Lansing for friends and co-workers on June 10 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home.

Another is planned in Knightstown, Ind., for family and friends at Hinsey Brown Funeral Service Knightstown Chapel on June 17, at 11 a.m. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service. A private burial will follow at Glen Cove Cemetery in Knightstown.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Purdue Foundation, The Richard D. and Emma F. Schweikhardt Memorial Scholarship, Purdue AG Advancement, 715 West State St., West Lafayette, IN 47907; or the Justin S. Morrill Hall of Agriculture, Michigan State University, Dept. Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics, Room 202, East Lansing, MI 48824-1039.

 

Arrangements are under The direction of Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home of East Lansing.