Ricky Dean Swope was born May 17, 1954, in Pittsburg, Kansas, to Avery Dean and Betty (Brand) Swope. He went to live with God on October 3, 2022, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.
Rick was married to Janet (Dent) Chowning on March 23, 1990, in Mountain View, Missouri.
Rick grew up around Liberal, Missouri, 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. Rick 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!
Rick 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. Rick never met a stranger. He always loved attending his class reunions to catch up with everyone.
He is survived by his wife, Janet, of the home; children, Steve and Sara Chowning, Travis and Kristy Reese of Mountain View, MO, 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, MO; nieces and nephews, Janey, Caleigh, and Aubrie Nichols, and Melanee and Jon Beaman; and mother-in-law, Faye Vickers.
He is 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.
A memorial service will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View, Missouri, with Pastor Eric Tripp officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Liberal All School Reunion, PO Box 175, Liberal, Missouri, MO 64762. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
