OSAGE CITY, Kan. – Ellis L. Swarts, 95, passed away Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, in Osage City, Kan. Ellis was born May 11, 1922, the son of Harry and Jessie Benton Swarts.
Ellis graduated from Osage City High School in 1940. Upon graduation, he went to work at the Citizens State Bank, in Osage City. In 1944, he joined the U.S. Navy and served on the LSM-459 ship through 1946. Upon completion of his service, he returned to Osage City and married Belva Jane Shafer, on Feb. 7, 1946. He continued his employment with the Citizens State Bank until 1984, when he retired with 43 dedicated years.
Ellis was very active in the community, serving in various officer positions with the school board, city of Osage City, Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, and American Legion, and served on the board of directors for the Citizens State Bank. Ellis was a charter member of the Osage City Kiwanis Club. He had also been a volunteer coach many years for youth baseball and softball. Ellis was also a member of the Osage City United Methodist Church and sang in the choir. He thoroughly enjoyed his music and sang for funerals and weddings for many years.
His wife, Belva, preceded him in death on Nov. 8, 2011. Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Dale and Wayne; a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Harry (Susan) Swarts; and a grandson, Adam Swarts.
Survivors include his brother, Russell, of Topeka, Kan.; sister-in-law, Doris Swarts (Wayne), Topeka; three sons, Harry (Anne), Holiday Island, Ark., Richard (Jeanette), Osage City, and Roger (Janet), Topeka; seven grandchildren, Amy (Jared), Christina (Luke), Kaela, Shawn, Ty (Jill), Aaron (Lacey) and Andy; 13 great-grandchildren, Nathan, Nolan, Ryley, Muireann, Taya, Luke, Brady, Bodee, Brylee, Christina, Skyla, Brandon and Josephine; and four great-great-grandchildren, Dawson, Audree, Brooks and Aidyn.
In accordance with Ellis’ wishes, his body was donated to the University of Kansas Medical Center. A memorial celebration will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, at the Osage City United Methodist Church, 219 S. Sixth St., Osage City. Family visitation will immediately follow the memorial celebration. Private inurnment will be at Barclay Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be given to the Osage City Kiwanis Club, the Osage City United Methodist Church, or the American Legion Post 198, sent in care of VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, 107 N. Sixth St., Osage City, KS 66523. Condolences may be expressed at vanarsdalefs.com.
