Marvin C Sword

Marvin C Sword, 87 of Independence, MO passed away Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at his residence. Cremation is planned with a memorial service to be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 6, 2025 at the Summit Grove congregation of the Community of Christ, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. Marvin was born May 8, 1938 in Nampa, ID to Eugene C. and Rachel W. (Dartt) Sword. He graduated from high school (1957) in Delavan, IL and attended Western Illinois University (1957-1959) and Graceland University (1960-1961). Later in life he completed a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Beverly Hills University. He was an Executive for the Boy Scouts in Illinois and served the Community of Christ church as a youth minister in Detroit and Los Angeles. He retired in 2003 after 18 years in the Development Department at Graceland University in Lamoni, IA.

He loved spending mornings reading his scriptures. He loved maple syrup, plaids, going to activities of his grandchildren, bagpipes, working on old cars, hitch-hiking Europe, the ocean and serving others. And in younger days he loved hiking and camping with his sons, except when they could not find the car (ask them about this).

He was a member of the Summit Grove congregation of the Community of Christ and served as High Priest. He proudly served in the US Army from 1961-63 where he was a Chaplain’s assistant.

Marvin was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Sword, his stepmother, Gladys Sword, his mother, Rachel Collins, his stepfather, Andrew Collins, 4 brothers, Gene Richard Sword, Marion Sword (his twin), Tommy Collins, and Daniel Collins, and a sister, Ada Jean Sword.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Thelma, of the home; 2 sons, Todd William Sword (Christina) of Louisburg, KS and Kim Eugene Sword (Heather) of Blue Springs, MO; a sister, Wanda Jarvis (Mike) of Cisco, IL; 3 brothers, Jerry Collins of Blue Springs, MO, David Collins of Indian Mound, TN and John Thomas Sword (Barbara) of Reelsville, IN ; sister-in-law, Marianne Sword of Kansas City, MO; 6 grandchildren, Matthew Sword, Hailey Sword, Brayden Sword, Brynlee Sword, Brody Sword and Lucas Sword, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Always a development officer, Marvin would probably suggest contributions to Graceland University, Lamoni. IA or the Summit Grove Community of Christ, Independence, MO or another service organization instead of sending flowers. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel (816) 252-7900)