Ronald James Swope was born February 4, 1943 in Brownwood Texas to James M. Swope and Lois M. (Evans) Swope. He graduated from Elliott High School in 1961.
Ron passed away on November 17, 2020 at 1:35 a.m. at Cass County Memorial Hospital.
After graduation he entered the U.S. Navy in 1961 and served for 4 years. While in the navy he was on the 15D-Landing Ship Dock. He was in the Cuban Blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis on the USS Spiegel Grove (LSD 32). He received several awards while serving his country including the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal in the Dominican Republic. His ship also stood watch off shore during the Viet Nam war.
In 1966 he married Judith K. Nolte and they had two sons, Richard and Michael Swope.
In 1995 he was married to Ellen Arthurs-Engels of Atlantic. Both preceded him in death.
He worked many jobs over the years, in finance, a truck driver for Crouse Cartage and SWITA and owned and operated Swope Sanitation before retiring. He was an active member of the Atlantic Elks Lodge #445 for 37 years holding many offices and Exalted Ruler. He was active in area service organizations including the American Legion, VFW and DAV, was a former chamber member and past president, and former member of the Atlantic Cemetery Board. He served as commander and chief and held other offices in the VFW. He really enjoyed Poppy Day, visiting with lots of people and working with the Boy Scouts.
Ron is survived by his wife Brenda and her children, Melissa (Bill) Ihnen, Marcy Jo Dorsey, Chris (Crystal) Schroder and Michelle Schroder all of Atlantic. He is also survived by his son Michael (DJ) of Arizona, a sister, Madeline (William) Roberts of South Carolina, and a brother, Jimmy (Lauree) Swope of California. He is also survived by aunts, uncles, many grandchildren, step grandchildren, great grandchildren, step great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, paternal and maternal grandparents, several aunts, uncles, son Richard Swope and brothers Fred and Carl Swope.
Graveside rites and Military services will be held at the Atlantic cemetery on Saturday, December 19th at 2:00 p.m. A walk through visitation will be held at the Atlantic Elks Lodge following the graveside service and military memorial for family and friends. All current covid-19 safety guidelines will be followed. Rieken Funeral home of Oakland is in charge of arrangements.
