John Douglas Swope

John Douglas Swope, 90, of Moberly passed away Saturday December 18, 2010 with his family at his side. John was born May 30, 1920 in Rock Creek Township, Illinois the son of Charles and Allie Swope. One May 2, 1942 he married Jennie E. (Billie) Lathrop in Elvaston, Illinois. She preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Lee Swope and Russell Swope. John served in the Army in World War II form March 1944 to May 1946 in the European Theater where he earned the Bronze Star. He was proud to serve as an honor guard at General Patton’s funeral. In October 2009 he had the opportunity to participate in the Honor Flight and visit the World War II Memorial. John worked for M & W Gear Company for many years as a farm machinery salesman covering much of the tri-stae area. He always loved traveling and visiting with many dealers. John and Billie spent many years collecting and selling antiques. John was an active member of the Kirksville First Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon for many years and most recently attendedthe Moberly First Presbyterian Church. He was a member of the El Kadir Shrine Club in Kirsville. In the addition to his love for family, John enjoyed several hobbies such as wood working and gardening. he was always building something whether it was lawn furniture or the bird houses that he loved to share. John was know for his peanut brittle every Christmas and his unusual giant Alliums every spring. John is survived by one daughter Candy Knox and her husband Eric of Centralia, granddaugher Jennifer Dunkin and husband John of Duncan’s Bridge, their children Allie and Corrie and granddaughter Shannon Vestal of Moberly and her son Logan. Services will be Wednesday December 22, 2010 at 10:00 A.M. at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-7:00 P.M. at the Million-Taylor Funeral Home in Moberly. Memorials are suggested to the Central Missouri honor Flight. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of John Douglas Swope please visit our Sympathy Store.