In Remembrance Of
Aaron Swopes
The world became a little dimmer on November 30th when Aaron Paul Swopes started a new beginning along life’s path. Born in Colorado in 1982, and raised up proper in Missouri, he became a man of integrity and loyalty. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout with the title of Fire Starter of the Tribe of Mik-O-Sey. He knew the ways of our Native American Brothers and Sisters and held in his heart the respect of the earth and all that dwelt on it.
He was a skilled outdoorsman and was able to kindle the warmth of a fire with a wooden bow-drill, patiently bringing forth a flame, just as he brought forth the values in his children that anyone would envy.
Aaron served as a Corrections Officer in Cameron, MO. After attending the Police Academy in St. Joseph, Missouri, earning acknowledgment as the number one student in his class, he served as Law Enforcement Officer at Platte City, Mo. He then worked for Union Pacific Railroad in the Kansas City yard.
Earlier this year he happily realized a 12-year dream and established Long Line Distillery with Windy Wine Co through the loving support of the Keesaman Family in Osborn, MO; his second family. With hard and exacting work, the business grew faster than Aaron had anticipated. People liked it. The product was one of quality and consistency. A product people enjoyed, much like the man himself, a man of quality and consistency. Orders for his whiskey were being taken as fast as he could produce it. Just a week ago, Aaron was looking at purchasing more equipment to meet the demand.
Aaron’s sons Colton (21), Andrew (16) and Logan (11) adored their Dad, and he in return deeply loved his sons. Aaron adopted his daughter, Halle (20), and loved her as his own. Aaron so very much loved his Mother Christine Knott and when they were together, he would swallow her diminutive frame in his arms and give her the best hugs a mother could ever want. Aaron’s Dad, Marlin Swopes taught him to become a man of will and determination. And Marlin taught Aaron a thing or two about fishing. Apparently, Aaron paid attention (Except for that one time at 3 in the morning when he was sporting for catfish at Smithville Lake with his bonus Dad Dewayne and fell asleep; losing his pole and nearly falling out of the boat. But most times, he could out-fish nearly everyone around and was pretty handy with a fillet knife, too. Aaron’s sister, Jennifer (Swopes) Clark and son Evan (9), moved to Utah and Aaron continued to reach out to her across the miles. Aaron embraced Sara (Knott) Eckhardt as a sister, both of them having respect for each other that goes beyond friendship. Anyone who knew Aaron knew that when they smelled that BBQ smoke coming from his driveway, there was going to be some good eating. Aaron enjoyed cooking whether as a charcoal purist or in the kitchen with his wife Juanita. They enjoyed spending time trying to outdo each other at the stovetop and singing country songs together.
The family and friends of Aaron are blessed to have been part of his circle of life and to know his good-hearted spirit of mischief. He valued loyalty, honesty, and trust; a friend to everyone who lived by these values. The circle is broken, but only for a moment, it will mend. The moment may seem as an eternity, but Aaron’s intense desire to always teach the right thing will live through those who loved him and through his children and his children’s children.
Memorial Service: 6:30 p.m. Monday, December 5th at Hixson-Klein Funeral Home in Smithville with visitation following until 8:30 p.m.
Donations may be made to the Smithville Scouts BSA Troop 412.
Share on Social
Service Details
Comments & condolences
19 comments
Carol Beckett
I was so sorry to hear of Aaron’s passing. I have great memories of him and Jennifer and Chris, you were all family. I have no words except his memory and spirit will live on. Huge hugs to the entire family. Aaron was a great kid and I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing him as an adult, but sure he was an even greater adult, Dad, Father, etc. RIP Aaron
Cindy Powell
I am so sorry for this heart breaking loss! I wish I had word to ease your pain. He was a great boy!
Thinking of you with love,
Cindy
Chris Burri
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends!
Joseph & Pamela Clark
Words cannot express how sorry we feel for your loss.
May his star shine bright.
God Bless.
Heather Love
Sending my deepest condolences to Aaron’s friends and family. May God bless you and keep you during this time.
Bonnie Hidy
Sending my prayers and love to your family. May God’s love and peace surround your family in the days ahead.
Melissa Barber
He was a good neighbor to us and he will be missed
Christine Fitzpatrick
He drifted through our lives also. Great Person. So glad to have met him. Rest In Peace Aaron
Randy Hawkins Jr
Aaron was was a great man , I meet him at work and work with him for several years on the same job he will be missed
Dewayne Knott
The joy of sharing in Aaron’s life on this earth is marred only by death at an early age. The lessons of integrity and right thinking that Arron taught his children have become a living testament to his skills as a Father and mentor as they travel toward adulthood and beyond. May you rest in peace everlasting in the arms of the Eternal Host. “Death, be not proud.”
Jane Dreon
I did not know Aaron but he sounds like a wonderful person who leaves many who will miss him terribly. My thoughts are mainly for his mom. Chris, please know that while I may not be able to exactly KNOW your pain, I would happily absorb some of it if I could, JUST to keep you from hurting so much. I would hug you if I could be there. I am thinking of you and you have many friends who are doing the same. We love you.
Linda Darr
Christine and family, lifting you in prayer as you face the days and years ahead without your beautiful son ,
Linda Darr
Bonnie Beaudoin
Dear Christine, DeWayne and family.
Our hearts go out to all of you. We are so sorry for your loss. God Bless you all. Rest in peace Aaron.
Dennis and Bonnie Beaudoin
Tom & Kay Peca
Chris Knott – The Peca’s are very sad to hear about the loss of your son Aaron. We pray for you and the entire family. May his soul “Rest In Peace”.
Felipe Lara
You will be missed Lil buddy. My prayers go out to the family. Till we meet again.
Scott & Tetesa Pearson
So sorry for your loss!!
Carolyn Potter
It with a heart full of sorrow I read these lines of losing Aaron. He was taken much too early and he will surely be missed. To his mother Christine and to his family… please know how sorry I am for your loss.
Much love and many hugs.
Carolyn (Carole) Potter
Jennifer Griffin
I was at a loss last night upon hearing the news. On 1 of the hardest days of my life God brought Aaron back into my life. A childhood friend when I needed it most. He had the biggest heart. My deepest sympathy for his entre family and for his community. Having him home brought such a joy to so many. Hugs to all.
Debi (Motsinger) Campbell
So sorry for the family’s loss! My heart breaks for Aaron & his family!