Martin Allen Swinehart
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Martin Allen Swinehart, 85, of Lenexa, Kansas passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Saint Luke’s Hospice House on March 2, 2025.
He leaves a legacy of deep faith in God and of unconditional love.
Martin was born on February 10, 1940 in Spokane, Washington to Dr. Paul Alpheus Swinehart and Agnes Laura (Ward) Swinehart. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Donald Swinehart, Dr. Paul Swinehart Jr., Samuel Swinehart, and sister Paula (Swinehart) Crawford.
Martin was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, otherwise known as Poppi. He married his wife Elaine Ann (Howard) Swinehart on June 24, 1966. They shared 58 wonderful years together. He is survived by Elaine, his daughters, Laura (Mike) Petersma, and Karen (Jeff) Swearingen; his grandchildren, Anthan (Taylor), Christian, Katherine, Lauren, Caroline, Elizabeth, and Claire, as well as one great granddaughter, Evangeline and many nieces and nephews.
Martin was a life-long learner. There wasn’t much that he didn’t know something about. His love for reading was apparent in his enormous book collection. He could often be found working in his shop or on any number of projects ranging from building, remodeling, wiring, and plumbing to gardening and landscaping. His hobbies also included music, storytelling, golf, genealogy, travel, and history, with his sense of humor present in them all. Amidst his passions and endeavors, Martin was a true teacher in all aspects of his life.
He earned a Master’s degree in education from UMKC. In his years of educating, his most loved moments were the ones spent studying for and teaching Sunday school. Martin also spent time managing the Herald and Banner Bookstore in Overland Park, Kansas and as a purchasing agent for Allied-Signal/Bendix King in Olathe, Kansas.
Above all else was his steadfast faith and devotion to the Lord. He had a quiet but evident commitment to Jesus and daily applied God’s Word to his life. He had a devout prayer life as well as a profound trust in the Lord’s goodness and love.
He was a member of Nall Avenue Church of the Nazarene and served on its board for many years. In his later years, he attended the Olathe Church of God Holiness. He sang baritone in church choir as well as the local Barbershop chapter.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Nall Avenue Church of the Nazarene, 6301 Nall Avenue, Prairie Village, KS 66202 on Friday, March 7 at 6:00 pm. A time of fellowship with light food will follow.
A private graveside service will be held for the family at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa, KS.
Grieving with you all…and “celebrating” this bittersweet news. I’m having memories of the many times Martin drove his family – & my teenage self tagging along- all down Shawnee Mission Parkway to Nall Ave Nazarene for church. (I remember if you miss that first light it takes twice as long to get there!) I’m eternally grateful- truly- as that was where I accepted Jesus & my life took an entirely different course. Thank you. Thanks also for raising 2 exceptional daughters & loving them so well. I am blessed to call both of them forever friends. Well done.
I knew Martin when I attended Nall Avenue Church of the Nazarene. He was a soft spoken man. And his love for Jesus Christ always shone thru. Praying for peace for your family.
My deepest sympathy to Martins family. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time in your lives.
Karen, I loved reading all about your sweet Dad. It’s at these times when we gain such a deeper appreciation of how the love of Jesus impacts generations upon generations. What a beautiful tribute to an amazing man. May the Lord give you comfort during the days ahead. And praise Jesus, he is rejoicing with his Savior and Lord! Much love!