Virgil Edward “Eddie” Swearengin, 66, departed this earth to meet his Savior on Saturday evening, February 13, 2021, at Copper Rock Village in Rogersville, MO.
Eddie was born on September 14, 1954 in Springfield, MO. to Virgil and Mary E. (Swearengin) Swearengin.
In March of 1974, at age 19, while living in Olathe, Kansas, Eddie contracted viral encephalitis (sleeping sickness) and spent the next 47 years of his life dealing with the physical and mental impact of the disease including “long and short term” memory loss and later dementia.
The family would like to share their appreciation to all those healthcare workers who invested themselves in Eddie’s care over all these years, particularly those at the ARC of the Ozarks and most recently Copper Rock Village. Many of you became Eddie’s family. While taught from his youth to not show favoritism and to love all equally, he had a very distinct affinity for and prejudice toward two of his healthcare professionals—“The Great Physician” and “Dr. Pepper”.
Eddie was very involved in school at Ava, graduating in 1972 in the top 10% of his class and serving as student body president. He was also very involved in extracurricular clubs and sports. He loved Track and was a state qualifier in the 100 yard dash his senior year. During his junior and senior years he enjoyed working after school at Town & Country Supermarket for Larry Johnson.
He attended Mid America Nazarene College in the Fall of 1972 and worked for the Johnson County Election Board, Mid-America Container Company, and Litton Industries until the time of his sickness.
Eddie always took pride in his appearance and had a charismatic personality. He was quick-witted, loved word games (like Wheel of Fortune), writing rhymes, a good joke, and playing his guitar.
He was a light in the darkness and an inspiration to all. His faith was his greatest possession. He was saved at age 11 and baptized when 12. He will be missed by many.
He is survived by his loving mother, Mary Swearengin, Rogersville; his sisters, Kay Fleming and husband Bob, Seymour; Sue Arnold, Springfield; his brother, Gary Swearengin and wife, Jennifer, Nixa; brother-in-law, Rich Kisner, Rogersville. His beloved nephews and nieces, Robert Brooks and wife, Angie; Leann Locke and husband, Tommy; Tony Fleming and wife, Sherry; Thomas Fleming and wife, Becky; Bryan Neuenschwander; David Neuenschwander and wife, Dana; Lori Call and husband, Daniel; Cody Swearengin and wife, Heather; Nathan Swearengin; Larissa Darter and husband Will; Hannah Swearengin and 16 great and 2 great-great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Virgil Swearengin; his brother-in-law, Max Arnold; and immediately followed in death by his sister, Diane Kisner.
Funeral services for Eddie will be Friday, February 19, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in the Clinkingbeard Chapel, Ava, MO. A visitation will be Friday from 10:00 a.m. to service time in the funeral home. Graveside services will be Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. in the Union Chapel Cemetery south of Fordland, MO. Officiating will be Pastor Gary Swearengin. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the KWFC Radio, Gideons International or the American Bible Society. Due to Covid-19 it is requested to wear a mask and social distance for the protection of all in attendance. Arrangements handled by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, MO.
