Darrell Wayne Swope

Darrell Swope

Oskaloosa. Darrell Wayne Swope II, age 68, of Oskaloosa, Iowa, passed away on Friday, August 22, 2025, in Hannibal, Missouri. He was born on June 5, 1957, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Darrell Wayne and Jackie (Smith) Swope. Darrell attended Ottumwa High School and graduated with the class of 1975. On June 25, 1977, he was united in marriage to Kathleen Newell. To this union a son was born, Andrew. Darrell and Kathleen divorced years later. On August 3, 1996, he was united in marriage to Deborah Emry in Bentonsport, Iowa.

Immediately following graduation from high school, Darrell worked as a machinist at Clow for 13 years. He later attended William Penn College in Oskaloosa and received his bachelor's degree. After graduating college, Darrell went to teach at Cardinal Community School district in Eldon. He also worked for the Job Corps and taught at the prison in Mt. Pleasant. Lastly, he was substitute teaching for New Sharon and Oskaloosa. Darrell was a member of the Who's Who of College and Universities. He enjoyed boating, camping, fishing, discussing politics, cruising around in his golf cart, collecting "treasures" at the flea markets, being in nature, was an avid Hawkeye fan, and had a special love for his dogs, Cooper and Molly. He was a volunteer fire fighter for Agency, Rural Wapello and Eldon Fire Departments. Darrell was a member of the Homeless Coalition, the Elks club and the American Legion in Oskaloosa. He was a member of the Bridge Church in Oskaloosa. He had a passion for serving others through working with the fire departments and education.

Darrell is survived by his wife, Deborah Swope of Oskaloosa; a son, Andrew (Jen Clarahan) Swope of Fremont; his step-children, Eric (Joie) Hickenbottom of Winterset and Jamie (Troy) Pothast of West Des Moines; his grandchildren, Natalie Swope, Claire Swope, Gabe Hickenbottom, Emry Hickenbottom, Briggs Hickenbottom, Katelyn (Matt) Percival, Allison Pothast, and Lauryn Pothast; his mother, Jackie Sager of Springfield, Missouri; his father, Darrell (Leona) Swope of Bloomfield;a brother, Dan (Kim Welsh) Swope of Goodman, Missouri; a sister, Heather Sipes of Bondurant; he is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel with Eric Hickenbottom officiating. Burial will follow services at the Friends Cemetery in Oskaloosa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 28, beginning at 12:00 p.m. at the Bates Funeral Chapel with Darrell's family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening to greet relatives and guests. Memorials may be made to Stephens Memorial Animal Shelter