RICKY DEAN SWOPE

MOUNTAIN VIEW- A memorial service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at Yarber Mortuary in Mountain View for Ricky Dean Swope, 68, who died Monday, Oct. 3, 2022, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield.

Memorial contributions may be made to Liberal All School Reunion.

Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.

Survivors include his wife, Janet, of the home; children, Steve and Sara Chowning and Travis and Kristy Reese of Mountain View and Garrett Swope of Nevada, Mo.; grandchildren, Micah Cunningham, McKenna Chowning, Kiah Jo Reese and Gavin Reese; bonus grandchildren, Jake Wilson, Trenton Barker and Ryan Barker; sister, Cathy Swope and Steve James of Lamar; nieces and nephews, Janey, Caleigh and Aubrie Nichols and Melanee and Jon Beaman and mother-in-law, Faye Vickers.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Elvyn and Hazel Swope and Fred and Catherine Brand; father and stepmother, Avery and Donna Swope; mother, Betty Swope and aunt, Shirley Swope.

Mr. Swope was born May 17, 1954, in Pittsburg, Kan., to Avery Dean and Betty (Brand) Swope. He married Janet (Dent) Chowning on March 23, 1990, in Mountain View.

He grew up around Liberal, graduating as the salutatorian of the class of 1972. He attended Boys State, where he played basketball and baseball. He worked for Roger Phillips farming and always stayed close with him. He was involved with the JC's, volunteer fireman in Liberal, coached Little League Baseball and was on a bowling league for years. He loved playing cards, especially Pitch!

Mr. Swope worked for Barton County Mutual Insurance for several years. After that he drove over the road for over 25 years, driving over one million miles. He never met a stranger. He always loved attending his class reunions to catch up with everyone.