Charles Roy Swope, Jr. passed away after a short illness on January 31, 2021 in his Oakland, Iowa home that he loved so much.
Charlie, or Chuck as he was known to some, was born on January 23, 1947 in Ames, Iowa to Charles and Velda (May) Swope. He and his two younger sisters, Joan Kristine and Jane Kathryn (John Caes), grew up together in Cedar Rapids until Charlie moved back to Ames to pursue a degree in Architecture from Iowa State University. But his love of baseball took him in a different direction. Charlie became a pitching coach for the Cyclones until he moved into a career as a baseball umpire, quickly climbing up the ranks to the Minor League circuit. He never lost his love for the game, but chose a different career path when he met the love of his life, Paula Gwen Hecox, and decided to settle down to have a family. Charlie and Paula raised their three children Jennifer Anne (Shawn Danker), Steven Joseph (Emi), and Charles Robert (McKaylenn) in Ames until they moved their family to Oakland, Iowa.
Oakland proved to be a wonderful choice as Charlie and Paula made the best friends of their lives there, becoming regular golfers at the country club, attending their children’s activities, and making lots of memories during their 35 years together there. He and Paula enjoyed life to the fullest and were even known to throw an occasional party or two over the years. Charlie never missed one of his sons’ wrestling meets, quietly cheering on Steve, Robert, and their Bulldog teammates, with his camera around his neck or his video camera on his shoulder. Charlie even had the chance to be his sons’ high school baseball coach, an opportunity he cherished.
However, it was after the birth of his grandchild where Charlie’s true calling was realized. Grandpa Chuck was blessed with 7 amazing grandchildren, Shelby, Sydney, Sophie, and Seth Danker, and Bennett, Presley, and Beckett Swope. And it was this role as Grandpa that brought him the most joy in his life. But not to be forgotten were his many favorite 4 legged companions who were as much a part of his family as anyone. Grandpa Chuck never missed an opportunity to spend time with his grandkids and to say that he was a proud grandpa would be an understatement. Though this role was cut much too short, the memories they made in their time together will live forever in their hearts.
The family of Charles R. Swope, Jr. will have a private burial and Celebration of Life with his family and friends that he held so dear, at a later date.
The Rieken Vieth Funeral Home in Oakland is in charge of arrangements.
