Jerry W. Swope passed away Friday, January 22, 2021 at his beloved farm.

He was born June 18, 1945 in Warrensburg, MO the second child of George and Martha (Cunningham) Swope.

Jerry graduated from Public High School in Warrensburg. Following high school, he attended Central Missouri State University earning a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration.  He was the first in his family to earn such distinction.

On June 26, 1966, he and Karen Adams were united in marriage. They celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary in 2020 celebrating a life together that gifted them with 4 children, 15 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.

Jerry pursued different careers including District Manager of General Electric Credit, General Manager at Williams Energy, General Manager of Kent Feeds grain elevator in Centerview, and retired as a welding supervisor for Swisher Mower. He did all of this while running his own farm where he raised cattle and planted row crops in the same dirt he was born and raised on. He had a close relationship to all he worked with and was "dad" to many.

Jerry enjoyed telling stories of times past and the way things used to be. He worked extensively on genealogy and enjoyed explaining his findings to anyone who would listen. He loved his farm and cattle spending every ounce of energy he had taking care of them. He spent lazy summer afternoons counting hummingbirds at the feeder, and it was never the same number twice. He had the best sayings and could always bring you out of a bad mood and show you the brighter side of life. He was the family advisor whether they wanted his advice or not. His words were his legacy and will never be forgotten. He will be missed by many near and far.

He is survived by his wife Karen Swope of Warrensburg; his children Kenneth (Mary) Swope of Snohomish, WA, Melissa (James) Willis of Burke, VA, Gary (Ann) Swope of Concordia, MO, and Martha "Marti" (Josh) Swope of Warrensburg; his grandchildren, Abigale, Kirk, Alex, Andrew, and Lily Swope, Sophia and Emma Willis, and Dusty Lynn, Destiny, Logan, Morgan, Cassidy, Izabella Swope, Zachary, and Natalie Baker; and his great grandchildren, Hudson and Willow.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings, Larry Swope and Janet Shepherd.

A memorial service will be announced and held at a later date.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Children's Mercy Hospital and can be left in care of Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home.