Micheal Leroy Swope

Micheal LeRoy Anthony Swope, aged 72, lifetime resident of the Kansas City area, passed away peacefully in his sleep early on May 28, 2025, in Webb City, Missouri.

Micheal grew up in “The Northeast” neighborhood and was educated at Holy Cross Catholic School. He graduated from De La Salle High School in 1971 and then from trade school. He was hired as a car mechanic at Bill Allen and soon acquired his infamous El Camino and motorcycle. He was a skilled builder and carpenter who began his construction career in high school and took great pride in his work throughout his entire adult life.

In his younger years, Micheal was known to hit softballs farther than anyone else and always precisely where he was asked to do so. He enjoyed music, supporting friends’ bands and his children and grandchildren in their various musical pursuits. He loved gathering family and friends for holidays, parties, and anything involving food, especially if it was outdoors.

Micheal recommitted his life to God in his 40s soon after his daughter became a Christian. He grew in his faith through the Spring Valley community, developing a deep devotion to reading scripture and growing in his relationship with Jesus. Later, this same community along with the many, many friends he made throughout his life helped him through a very low point which led him to “The Ranch.” This became a sacred space where he was able to heal and enjoy his passion for horses and the land. He loved every bit of it and took every opportunity to invite others to enjoy it with him. He would frequently say, “When you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

Micheal adored his children and grandchildren, delighting in all their adventures and accomplishments, proudly attending events and sharing about them with anyone who would listen. Micheal met his wife Debbie at age 66 in the same church, and they enjoyed 6 amazing years together. At the time of his passing, he was still dreaming and planning to build on his own property. We will all continue to hear his voice saying, “I am just so blessed.”

Micheal is survived by his beloved wife, Deborah “Debbie” Swope; sisters Michelene “Micki” Burns and Libbie Volland; children Allison Penn (David) and Eric Swope; nieces Kathleen “Kathy” Layne and Kinsey Burns; grandchildren Katie Swope, Nat Penn, Audrey Swope, Jonah Penn, Lillian “Lily” Swope, Lillian “Lilly” Boogaerts, Zooey Boogaerts, and Bailey Boogaerts; and great grandchild Oliver Pier. He is predeceased by his parents Lewis “Spud” Swope and Rose Barcel Swope; and niece Pamela “Pam” Lepper.

A celebration of life will be held at Reach Church Raytown (formerly Spring Valley Baptist), 8801 East 79th Street, Raytown, Missouri, 64138, on Tuesday, June 3, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association of America at www.debra.org. Micheal came into the world three months early, weighing only two pounds three ounces. His mother navigated his diagnosis of Epidermolysis Bullosa with incredible creativity and determination, teaching him to live life fully. He believed that his condition was a gift of God to help him see other people with love and care.