The Excelsior Standard, Sept. 27, 2024

Carl Swope

Carl Deloss Swope passed away peacefully Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, in Clinton – two weeks shy of his 83rd birthday. He was born Sept. 27, 1941, in Lawson to Earl Coleman and Stella Marie (St. John) Swope. He graduated in 1959 from Lawson High School and started working construction. One of his most memorable jobs was wiring the lights for Arrowhead Stadium and Royals Stadium. He retired from Ameren (Union Electric), the job he loved.

Carl was married to Sandy Beason on Feb. 12, 1960. Together, they had two children, Carl David and Kristi Dawn. He was a devoted husband and father. He was their coach and endlessly supported his kids’ activities. He continued to coach youth bowling for more than 20 years.

Carl loved golfing, fishing and bowling, of which he was self-taught. He had his first 300 game on Nov. 17, 1975.

Carl was a great man who would do anything to help someone in need.

As a grandpa, he had many co-pilots and captains to help him navigate the pontoon boat. Watching the tiny fishermen grow up brought him much joy. It didn’t matter if you caught a tiny fish, a stick, a turtle or even a rock. He enjoyed the hours of driving for tubers and waterskiing.

Sandy passed on Nov. 7, 1995. Carl later married Sandra Jensen on May 30, 1997. Together, they retired and traveled with their camper. For several years, they were camp hosts at Casa Grande, Ariz., for the winter and returned to Warsaw for the summer.

He enjoyed helping and meeting people from across the United States and Canada. While in Arizona, he continued to work on his golf game and learned how to make his own golf clubs.

The weekend cabin in Warsaw became a full-time home. Again, he made many friends and helped out where and when he was needed.

Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, Sandy; and brothers, Harold Ritter Jr. (Sunny Boy) and Glenn Ritter.

Surviving is his wife of 27 years, Sandra, of Clinton. Other survivors include his children, David (Jill) Swope of Clermont, Iowa; and Kristi (Michael) Walton of Oak Grove.

He also leaves behind his five grandkids, Ryan (Donna) Swope, Heidi (Erik) Schumacher, Joshua (Stephanie Tanner) Swope, Blake Carmichael and Zachary (Megan Spear) Carmichael; seven great-grandkids, Mason, Abel, Brodie, Evan, Sawyer, Jasper and Eva; brother, Gary (Judy) Swope of Kearney; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Thank you to the Golden Valley Hospital, Hospice and EMTS for your care over the past three years.

Arrangements for his cremation are under the direction of the Reser Funeral Home, Warsaw.