10/01/2026
John Lee Swartz, 79, of Pittsburg, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, September 29, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri.
John was born March 18, 1947, in Pittsburg, Kansas, to Charles and Nora Lee Storie Swartz. He graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1965 and later joined the United States Air Force in 1972. During the Vietnam War, John served with the Third Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group and was awarded the Airman’s Medal for Valor for his bravery.
John dedicated much of his life to serving others. His career included serving as a police officer, EMT, Director of EMTs, Sheriff’s Department, and as a campus police officer at Pittsburg State University. His commitment to his country and community continued through his involvement with the American Legion. He served as Director and Road Captain of American Legion Post #64 and most recently belonged to Frontenac American Legion Post #43. He was also active in the Veteran's Sons and the Masonic Lodge of Pittsburg.
On September 23, 2000, John married Rita McNeely at First Christian Church in Pittsburg. She survives at the home.
While John was proud of his service and especially enjoyed being recognized as a veteran, his greatest pride was his family. He loved his people fiercely and would do just about anything for them. He had a big heart and a hard time saying no when someone needed help. Throughout his life, John took people under his wing, offering a helping hand, advice, or simply being there when someone needed him.
John was funny, sarcastic, and never afraid to tell you exactly what he thought. He had a quick temper, but an even bigger heart, and those who knew him best knew that beneath it all was a man who cared deeply about the people around him.
Some of John’s favorite times were the simple ones spent with family. He loved family dinners and could turn an ordinary evening into a gathering. Sometimes that meant making a big pot of chili and inviting everyone over. Other times, it was a spur-of-the-moment trip to the chicken house with the family. For John, it wasn’t really about the food or where they went, it was about having his people together.
John is survived by his wife, Rita Swartz; son Nathan Swartz (Tiffani); daughter Kimberly Swartz; grandchildren Colton, Allana, and Michael Quigley, Braelyn and Hayden Swartz, Hope Hendricks and Nicole Gallagher; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by an infant son, Jonathon Troy Swartz; and four brothers, Charles, Kenneth, Carl, and Jackie Swartz.
John will be remembered for his service, his humor, his stubborn streak, his generous heart, and most of all, the way he loved and took care of his family and the people he considered his own.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, October 9, 2026, at Brenner Mortuary Chapel with Reverend Daryl Gaddy officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Burial will follow at Mt. Olive Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Patriot K-9, and may be left in care of Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, Kansas, 66762.
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