Kenneth C. Swift

Ken was born on July 21, 1928, in King City, MO to Clyde and Elnora Swift. He graduated from King City High School in 1947 and went on to graduate from the University of Missouri in 1954 with a master's degree in education then went on to earn a Specialist Degree in Safety. Ken met and married Betty A. Almquist while he was attending the University of Missouri. They were married in 1957. After they moved to Okawville, Illinois, Ken began teaching driver’s education at the local high school then moved on to teach driver’s education at various small town high schools in Missouri. He also coached boys' tennis and girls' basketball at several high schools. Over the next few years, the couple had three sons and Ken and Betty set about teaching them how to become fine outstanding citizens and to always help others as much as possible. Ken’s sons remember him as being involved in their education and taught them the various sports in which they were interested. One of Ken’s first loves was baseball, which he followed for the rest of his life. He was accomplished at tennis and loved playing in various tournaments around the Kansas City area. He also enjoyed woodworking and building several pieces of furniture for the family. He was a dedicated individual who was passionate about teaching driver’s education.

Ken is preceded in death by his wife Betty (Kansas City, MO), his parents Clyde and Elnora Swift (St. Joseph, MO) and his two sisters Francis Powell (St. Joseph, MO) and Doris Stevens (St. Joseph, MO).

Ken is survived by his three sons; Doug; Mark (Christine), one grandson, Brian A. Davis and one great granddaughter Alexia. C. Stumpf; Jeff (Cheryl), two grandchildren Blake Swift (Ali) of Kansas City, MO and Brianna Swift (Dustin) of Bellevue, CO. He also leaves two great grandchildren, Paxton and Eleanor Swift (Blake and Ali).

Services will be held on August 8, 2025, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church (2003 NE Englewood Road, Kansas City, MO 64118). Visitation will begin at 9:00 am with the church service following at 10:00 am. The burial will be held at White Chapel Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens (6600 NE Antioch Road, Gladstone, MO. 64119) at approximately 11:30 am. A luncheon at the White Chapel Funeral Home will follow the burial service.  All are welcome to attend the visitation, service, burial and luncheon to celebrate Ken's life.

If you’d like to send flowers, please send them to Holy Cross Lutheran Church in care of Ken Swift. If you’d like to make a memorial contribution, please send it to Holy Cross Lutheran Church in care of the Organ Fund.

The family would like to thank Benton House of Staley Hills for the wonderful love, care and attention they provided Ken with for the last four years of his life. His quality of life wouldn’t have been as high anywhere else.

Pallbearers are Mark Swift, Jeff Swift, Blake Swift, Dustin Whitson, Brianna Swift, and Keegan Lutz. Honorary pallbearers are Doug Swift, Kevin Brown, and Tim Newcomb.