Gene Richard Sword

Gene Richard Sword passed away peacefully at 2:30pm Friday, July 9, 2021 at his home in Kansas City, Missouri at the age of 84.

He was born on January 6, 1937 in Nampa, Idaho the son of Eugene Castle Sword and Rachel Wynona Dartt Collins.

After high school he served four years in the U.S. Navy as an Electronics Technician prior to marrying Marianne at the Calvary Baptist Church and raising five children. He was a man of many trades, from selling and building Bullock Garages, working the line at Electric Wheel and numerous bookkeeping positions. Upon retirement from the IRS, he and his wife lived in an RV full time for 11 years and traveled to Canada, Mexico, Alaska and many other states and wintered in Alamo, Texas. He was an avid gardener, walker, beekeeper and all-around handyman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Andrew Collins, stepmother Gladys Sword, siblings Marion and Ada Jean Sword, Dan and Tom Collins, son-in-law John DeNatale and Chris Castro.

Surviving is his wife of nearly 60 years, Marianne Jean “Bullock” Sword; five children, Maurice (Delorse) Sword, Marla DeNatale, Melody Smith, Michelle (Jason) Norman and Michael (Gina) Sword; 8 grandchildren, Justin, Cody, Megan, Macie, Ryan, Nicholas, Lauren and Kathryn; siblings, Marvin (Thelma) Sword, John Thomas (Barb) Sword; Wanda (Mike) Jarvis, Jerry Collins, Dave Collins; many nieces and nephews.

Many thanks to the Liberty Home Health, North Kansas City Home Health and Crossroads Hospice and Palliative Care for taking such good care of Gene these last few months.

Visitation will be at the Calvary Baptist Church, 1632 Georgetown Road, Tilton, Illinois 61833 from 9:30 -11:30am Saturday, July 17th. Burial services shortly thereafter at Gundy Cemetery in Bismarck, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to the Veterans Community Project of Kansas City, Missouri.

Condolences

  1. Kay on July 14, 2021 at 9:27 pm

    Marianne and family,

    We will miss Gene walking past our RV and the smile always on his face. He loved to stop by and Dale enjoyed his conversations with him. He will be missed by all at Casa. Wish we could be there to give you a hug.
    Dale and Kay Elliott



  2. Anna on July 14, 2021 at 11:15 pm

    Mike, Gina, and Ryan,
    Scott and I would like to extend our condolences to you. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
    Anna and Scott Howrey



  3. Dennis (DJ) Johnson on July 15, 2021 at 9:16 am

    Mike,

    My deepest condolences to you and your family on your loss. From reading the above, he appears to be a great man that has lived a great life. Given grandchildren to play with and enjoy watching grow and a wonderful wife by his side. My prayers are with you during this time of sorrow.



  4. Sunshine on July 15, 2021 at 9:58 am

    Michelle,
    I’m so sorry for your loss. May peace and fond memories be with you always.



  5. Terry McKee on July 16, 2021 at 12:48 pm

    Wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time.



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