PERRY DEAN SWOFFORD

PERRY DEAN SWOFFORD Perry Dean Swofford, 80, of Gladstone, Missouri, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, June 20, 2024. He was born August 17, 1943, to Carl and Alma Swofford in Spickard, Missouri, where he grew up and graduated high school. Perry then moved to Kansas City where he worked for Rust Sash and Door while attending night classes at Truman Manual. He joined the Kansas National Guard, completing boot camp at Fort Leonard Wood. He was on duty during the anti-war marches in Kansas City in the 1960s. He was activated into the U.S. Army, and served as a medic at Fort Carson in Colorado. Perry received early release to resume his education at Northeast Missouri State Teacher College (now Truman State University) in Kirksville. He completed his four-year degree, graduating in the spring of 1970. Perry married Jean Bender in Kirksville on February 21, 1970. The couple moved to Kansas City, where Perry taught at Northgate Junior High School in the North Kansas City School District for two years. They moved back to Kirksville so that Perry could complete his master's degree. In the spring of 1973, he graduated with his master's degree alongside Jean who earned her B.S. in education. They returned to Kansas City, where Perry taught Industrial Arts at New Mark Middle School in the North Kansas City School District. He also taught after-school projects with students. He continued to take classes in the evenings, spending one summer session at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. After a nearly 30-year career in education, he retired in 1998. Perry and Jean have two sons, Nevin Swofford and Chad Swofford. The family enjoyed many camping trips to Florida; Washington, D.C.; and the Lake Pomme de Terre. The couple also made many trips to Branson with friends, and hosted annual New Year's Eve parties in their home. As an active church board member at Dundee Hills Church of the Nazarene, Perry helped do repairs and remodeling work at the church. He and Jean joined church members on a work and witness trip to Russia. Upon retiring from teaching, Perry and Nevin (and Chad for a short time) operated their own remodeling business for several years. An expert craftsman, Perry built many furniture items in their home. He enjoyed working in his workshop and spending time with his family. He was a good husband, provider, father, grandfather, friend and church member. Perry resided in the Missouri Veteran's Home in Cameron, Missouri, where he was well cared for over the past six years. In addition to his wife Jean Swofford, Perry is survived by sons Nevin (Lori) Swofford of Liberty, and Chad (Laura) Swofford of Gladstone; grandchildren, Thomas Swofford, Chase Swofford, Lulu Swofford, Isaac Swofford, Emily (Kolton) Babb; a great-grandson Dorian Babb; his brother, Duane Swofford (90), of Maysville; his sister, Wilma Edgar (89), of Independence; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother Thom Swofford and his parents. Services will be Tuesday, July 9, at New Hope Church of the Nazarene, 4330 N. Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, Missouri. Visitation will be at 9 a.m. followed by the funeral at 10 a.m. and a luncheon. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to Shelter KC.