Matthew Cole Swope

Matthew Cole Swope, 39, of Independence, Missouri passed away on June 14, 2026, in a tragic plane crash near Butler, Missouri.

Born on September 5, 1986, he was the youngest son of Jerry and Dorcie Swope. Matthew graduated from Truman High School in 2005, received an associate’s degree in Gunsmithing from the Colorado School of Trades in 2009, and completed Centriq’s IT Career Program in 2013.

As a child, Matthew faced extraordinary challenges, having been diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma in November 1989. Despite relapsing following a bone marrow transplant, Matthew’s cancer miraculously went into remission after an experimental treatment and a multitude of prayers — a testament to his strength and resilience. He was honored as a Dream Factory child, enjoyed many summers at Camp Quality, and was given the special honor of serving as Tom Watson’s caddy at the Children’s Mercy Golf Classic.

A lifelong Scout, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and loved attending Scout camp. As a proud member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, he was known as Son of Little Leaping Silver Squirrel and earned the rank of Runner, a role reflecting his character, leadership, and dedication. He loved tinkering with anything he could get his hands on — from rock crawlers, go-karts, and minibikes to building PCs and even a homemade flamethrower. He enjoyed going to the gym, was an avid gamer, and had a deep interest in space programs. Exceptionally intelligent, with a near-photographic memory, he had a remarkable ability to understand and master complex things.

Matthew also had a playful and creative side. He enjoyed serving on the stage crew for high school theater productions, dressing up in creepy costumes to scare guests while working “Haunt” at Worlds of Fun, and volunteering as a sound and light technician for his church. An excellent cook, steaks and guacamole were his specialties.

His adventurous spirit led him to skydiving and aviation, where he became a licensed pilot, skydiver, and tandem instructor. With nearly 800 jumps completed, he spent most weekends at the drop zone, a second home where friends who shared his passion became like family. Always drawn to the next challenge, he added BASE jumping to his adventures.

As a teenager, Matthew loved working at Jaeger’s Paintball. He began working nights at the front desk for 24 Hour Fitness in 2010 before becoming a maintenance technician, where he applied his innate ability to fix anything. Matthew began his IT career at G.E.H.A in April 2013 as a Service Desk Technician, where his customer service and technical expertise quickly made him everyone’s go-to resource and eventually led to his role as an Enterprise Applications Engineer. In March 2025, he joined KBP Brands as a Microsoft 365 Engineer before returning to G.E.H.A in May 2026 as a Senior Systems Engineer. Everywhere he went,

he was highly respected for his intelligence, technical expertise, and problem-solving abilities.

Known for his sharp wit and sarcastic sense of humor, Matthew brought laughter everywhere he went. He was kind, caring, selfless, dependable, and deeply loved by his family and friends. Rarely missing a family gathering, the love he showed his family earned him the title of “coolest uncle on the planet.”

Matthew’s life was defined by resilience, intelligence, creativity, humor, and deep love for others. He will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his ingenuity, and the lasting impact he had on everyone who knew him. He will be missed greatly.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Swope, and his grandparents.

Matthew is survived by his mother, Dorcie Swope; his siblings, Paula DeSantis (Vic), Rhonda Statham, John Swope (Lindsey), Sarah Shawhan (Joey), and Kenny Rodawald (Teana); his beloved nieces and nephews: Cody and Caden Bahl; Tanner Tryon; MacKenzie and Jackson Shawhan; Ezra, Ella, and Owen Swope; and Brendan Devery and family, Gavin, Gage, Dominic, Dalilah, and Daisey Rodawald; along with numerous extended family members.

Visitation will be held on June 27 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. with services beginning at 3:00 p.m. at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St. S, Independence, Missouri.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 28 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on the lower level of the Elks Lodge, 100 NE Brizendine Rd., Blue Springs, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established benefiting the Children’s Mercy Hospital Cancer Center, https://give.childrensmercykids.org/MatthewSwope.