David Neil Swope

David N. Swope, a beloved son, brother, uncle, fellow church member, and friend passed away from the earth to enter Heaven’s Glory to be with his wonderful Saviour Saturday, March 8, 2025.

David was born December 7, 1962 in Ft. Worth, Texas. David’s dad pastored for two Churches in Texas before moving the family to Anthony, Kansas in 1967 to become the Pastor of Central Baptist Church. In 1970, Rev. Swope moved the family to Wichita, Kansas to become the Pastor of Bethel Baptist Church where he was their faithful Pastor for 41 years (1970-2011). In 2011, David’s only brother, Jonathan had the privilege to follow his dad as Pastor of BBC to the present.

David graduated from Baptist Tabernacle school where he served as 1981 class president and was involved in singing with the Liberty Singers. He was an excellent athlete in basketball, soccer, and track. David was not only a straight A student from grade school, but he also had a great personality. He loved being with friends and meeting new people. He graduated from Heritage Baptist College of Wichita and earned a Masters degree from Calvary Baptist Bible Seminary.

David lived a few years in Texas and Oklahoma; but lived in Wichita most of his life.

David loved his Lord and Saviour, his Bible, and his Church. He had been an involved member of Bethel for most of his life. He served as the music and choir director, bus captain, Jr. Church Preacher, singer, and the “Best Janitor” Bethel ever had.

One of David’s greatest joys was to talk to people and invite them to church. He loved handing out Gospel tracts and Christian literature to everybody he could wherever he was.

He was a very giving person. He personally purchased Gospel tracts, Christian literature, and Gospel music CDs to give away. He also supported several Christian Ministries.

David was a loving and caring son, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle. He was his dad’s main caregiver the last five years or so of his life.

David had many jobs; but really excelled in the jobs he had that he interacted with people. He was a teacher and soccer coach for a Christian School in Ark City for several years. He worked for PFS taking food orders for Pizza Hut and Taco Bell. He ran a US Postal Mail truck route for several years. He really enjoyed working for Henry’s Industries as an independent contractor. He made many friends and talked to many people daily as he drove all over Wichita as a courier delivering pharmaceuticals for Henry’s.

Davis is preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Sylvia; an aunt Wynona; and his grandparents, Don and Ethel.

He is survived by brother, Jonathan (Sarah) Swope; nieces, Hannah (Derek) Purvis, Leah, and Anna; nephew, Joseph; an uncle, Robert Swope; and his cousins, Steve and Chris Swope.

He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.

A visitation with family present will be held from 6:00-8:00pm Friday, March 14th at Bethel Baptist Church. A Celebration of David’s life will take place at 10:00am on Saturday, March 15th at Bethel Baptist Church. A graveside service will be held at 3:30pm on Saturday, March 15th at the Edna Cemetery in Edna, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with:Bethel Baptist Church Music Program3600 West 2nd St. N.,Wichita, KS 67203
David loved music and loved to sing. Donations given will be used for a new sound system at Bethel Baptist Church.