Alan Carl Swarts
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** A Celebration of Alan’s life will be held from 2 – 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at Meadowlark Estates, 4430 Bauer Farm Drive, Lawrence, KS 66049. **
Alan Carl Swarts, 72, passed away peacefully at Neuvant House in Lawrence, on Saturday, May 13, 2023, with Margene, his wife of nearly 48 years, by his side, after a valiant struggle with brain cancer.
Alan was born on February 1, 1951, in Russell, KS, the son of William Eugene and Anita Marie (Webster) Swarts. He graduated from Turner High School, received a Bachelor of Science in Business degree from Emporia State University and a Master of Science in Education degree from the University of Kansas.
Alan married Margene K. Zumbrunn on September 27, 1975, in Bonner Springs, KS. Alan and Margene moved to Liberal, KS where Alan worked for Seward County Community College in Data Processing and served as the Director of Data Processing. After four years, the couple moved to Lawrence where Alan worked for Douglas County, Computer Services Agency, and the University of Kansas in various Information Technology positions before moving to Johnson County Community College, from which he retired in 2011. During his time there he served as the Director of Academic Technology Services, Director of Computing Support Services and the Director of Accelerated Programs.
Alan loved helping other people in whatever capacity he could. He volunteered for the United Way of Greater Kansas City and of Lawrence, served a six-year term on the ESU Alumni Association board and attended the ESU NE KS Alumni meetings. Additionally, he was happy to lend a hand with his information technology background to several horse and Dressage related activities in support of his wife’s passion for horses, as well as helping any family member or friend who had a “computer” problem they couldn’t fix.
Alan’s passions were sports, golf, and bridge. When he “retired” from officiating basketball and softball, he began playing golf in earnest and his clubs were always in his vehicle. After retirement, he enjoyed bridge and friends at the Lawrence Bridge Club. Alan also belonged to the Endicott Retirees Association, affiliated with KU, and the Johnson County Community College Retirees Association.
Alan was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife, Margene and his beloved dog, Toto, of the home; brother, Christopher (Raye Ann) Swarts, Sulphur, LA; sister-in-law, Rayma (Steve) Potter, Long Lane, MO: nephews, Aaron (Krystal) Swarts, Shawnee, KS; Adam (Brittany) Swarts, N. Kansas City, MO; Keaton Potter, Eudora, KS; Alex (Alexandra) Potter, Kansas City, KS; niece, Arrolyn (Matthew) Baker, Kansas City, KS; great nephews, Miller Swarts, Trey Potter (Kaleigh Bennefeld), Kasyn Baker, Remington Potter, Jayden Holroyd; great nieces, Aila Swarts, Alexis Potter, Khali Potter, and Anastasia Potter; uncles, Jerry Webster, Philadelphia, PA, Chester and Alvin Webster, Russell, KS, John Anderson, Osborne, KS, and several cousins.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Lawrence Humane Society, Visiting Nurses Association, Emporia State University Foundation or the charity of choice and may be sent in the care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Alan’s body has been donated to the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences.
Margene…what a loss of a kind and sincere man…I remember his smile and joy for life….Steve and I will keep you in our prayers…and Alan will live on in our hearts and memories…as he remains in your heart. Prayers to you…Steve and Denise Cook
Dear Margene-so sorry to read this morning of Alan’s passing. I know the two of you functioned as a loving team all the years of your long marriage. May fond memories be a comfort.
Margene, I am so sorry for your loss. Alan was quite simply one of the nicest and friendliest people I’ve ever met. He lived a full life and loved much. Know I am keeping you in my thoughts and heart. My sincere condolences.
You couldn’t have asked for more of an ESU supporter than Alan! He bled ESU Black & Gold! Alan will be truly missed at our NE KS ESU Alumni meetings and events–we will keep his spirit alive in all of us as we continue to live his legacy! Take care Margene and know that there are many virtual hugs coming your way in this sad time and beyond!
Margene,
I am so sorry to hear of Alan’s passing. I loved how he always would attend work social functions and quietly support you in your great career at the city. A man of few words yet so easy to talk with. What great memories you must hold of him! I miss you and hope to see you soon.
Alan, my memory of him in school was one of a great guy, always a kind word to all. My career took me away from Turner, Ks, so my time with Alan was short but always in conversations with school friends over the years. My prayers to the family, he’s resting peacefully and watching over all of us.
How can “ANYONE” ever forget Mr. Allen Swarts. It was strongly felt he reminded me of a “Military officer”- as he was larger than life and carried himself with honor and dignity. Because of this, he continually asked, “Stop calling me Sir!” He was truly larger than life when he commanded the old “JCCC Academic Technology Services (ATS)”. I will always remember how he defended me in my early employment position supervising the Drafting Department. In a critical stage in my development as supervisor, Alan recognized a growing concern in my behalf while under duress. He used good tact and sense solved many problems for my position while working under siege of “Fashion Design Department” ,a department that openly supported sustained unimproved rural “Social Injustice” values.
I vowed “I shall never forget the continued monumental support from Alan and members of ATS during my continued JCCC career.”
From a distance, I recognized him as a Great Man…. Extremely Sad to hear he has passed away.
We also enjoyed the pizza -parties☺
How can “ANYONE” ever forget Mr. Alan Swarts. It was strongly felt he reminded me of a “Military officer”- as he was larger than life and carried himself with honor and dignity. Because of this, he continually asked, “Stop calling me Sir!” He was truly larger than life when he commanded the old “JCCC Academic Technology Services (ATS)”. I will always remember how he defended me in my early employment position supervising the Drafting Department. In a critical stage in my development as supervisor, Alan recognized a growing concern in my behalf while under duress. He used good tact and sense solved many problems for my position while working under siege of “Fashion Design Department” ,a department that openly supported sustained unimproved rural “Social Injustice” values.
I vowed “I shall never forget the continued monumental support from Alan and members of ATS during my continued JCCC career.”
From a distance, I recognized him as a Great Man…. Extremely Sad to hear he has passed away.
We also enjoyed the pizza -parties☺
Margene-
Our deepest sympathies to you on hearing of Alan’s passing. Alan was always a joy to visit with and of course, Toto too!
Julie and I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Margene:
So sorry to hear of Allen’s passing. I’m sorry I didn’t get over to see him. I have such good memories of him on The Vista softball team , playing recreation basketball, and the parties you and Allan were always such good hosts. I enjoyed umpiring with him. I’ll always remember him with his blond hair in a perm, a young man full of spunk. I hope he is at peace and pray you will find peace and comfort. Prayers for you and the family. Joe and JoEtta.
Margene, We were so sorry to hear of Alan’s passing. He was such a great host for our “horsey girls “ parties. We enjoyed visiting with him about education experiences and issues too. He was just a really nice person.
Hugs to you and Toto
Janet and Harley
Margene,
I am so sorry to hear of Alan’s passing. He was a very sweet and helpful man. Blessings, peace and comfort to you and Toto and know you have so many wonderful memories of your lives together.
Barb Roever
Margene,
So sorry to hear of Alan’s passing. I remember him as being friendly and smiling, Toto was always close by.
It’s been many years since the Dog House and photos, but Alan seemed very supportive and loving to you.
May you find peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Maggie Kruger
Margene, we are so sorry to hear of Alan’s passing and know he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Margene,
I’m so sorry to here Alan passed away. I still have a big scar on my forehead from an unloading fiasco at a horse show. Alan drove me all over Topeka to get me stitched up. He had a big heart. Hugs to you.
Margene,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have a lot of fond memories from the old softball teams. He was such a kind soul.
You two had some of the best parties and were truly a fun couple.
May you find peace and comfort holding onto your sweet memories at this sad time. Take good care of yourself
My deepest sympathy,
Kenna
Marlene, my love and prayers to you. My heart goes out to you. I know you are strong but never forget you have friends ready for support.
My condolences to Margene. Alan truly had the gift of giving and was always willing to help others. He was a kind and good man.
So sorry to hear of Alan’s passing, Margene. I fondly remember the good times we had playing b-ball, softball, and golf. He was a solid referee and umpire, too. Most of all I’ll miss seeing him at our little get-togethers at West Coast. Al was such a good natured guy and a pleasure to be around.
Margene you and the family are in my prayers. This hurts my heart to hear this. Alan was a wonderful man and I truly have so many memories of our conversations about politics and life while I cut his hair. He will always be remembered. Much love, Lisa
Margene,
I am so sorry to hear of Alan’s passing. I was a colleague of Alan’s at JCCC and on the retirees’ board when we were just creating the organization. Alan was always enthusiastic and fun. His energy amazed me and he was always the first to volunteer. Like many others, I benefitted from his computer knowledge. I am proud to call him a friend and lucky to have known him. I will miss him.
When we built the Regional Police Academy Alan was over every day to make sure the computer systems were installed correctly and offer suggestions on what computers to purchase. Most of all he was a friend. Seemed to always be in a good mood. Always had a smile on his face. Johnson County Community College was a better place to work because of Alan. Truly one of the good guys.
Alan always greeted you with a smile. He was so devoted to his family and was a computer officianado! May Alan’s memory be forever a blessing to all who knew him.
So sorry to hear about Alan’s passing. Hope you feel the warmth and comfort around you during this time.
Margene, I just read of Alan’s passing. I am so very sorry. What fun memories I have from our old softball days. Oh, how we partied and laughed. He will be missed by many. Sending my love and heartfelt condolences. Julie (Love) McCurdy