John Lee Swartz, a Vietnam War-era Air Force veteran and longtime public servant from Pittsburg, Kansas, died on September 29, 2026, at age 79. This page summarizes his family’s published obituary, including his career, his family and the funeral plans. Our condolences go to his wife, children, grandchildren and everyone who knew him.
Latest Update: October 1, 2026
As of October 1, 2026, the obituary on the Brenner Mortuary website says Swartz died on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri. Visitation and the funeral are scheduled for Friday, October 9, 2026, at Brenner Mortuary Chapel, 114 East 4th Street, Pittsburg, Kansas. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m., and the funeral service follows at 12:00 p.m. with Reverend Daryl Gaddy officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olive Cemetery.
The obituary does not state a cause of death. This page does not guess at one.
Who Was John Lee Swartz?
John Lee Swartz was born on March 18, 1947, in Pittsburg, Kansas. His parents were Charles and Nora Lee (Storie) Swartz. The obituary describes him as a man who gave much of his life to serving others, with a big heart and a hard time turning away anyone who needed help. It also calls him funny, sarcastic and blunt, with a quick temper and a bigger heart.
Education and Military Service
Swartz graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1965. He joined the United States Air Force in 1972. During the Vietnam War he served with the Third Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group, and the obituary says he received the Airman’s Medal for Valor for his bravery. The obituary says he especially enjoyed being recognized as a veteran.
Career and Community Service
The obituary lists a career in public safety. He worked as a police officer, an EMT, Director of EMTs and in a sheriff’s department, and later as a campus police officer at Pittsburg State University. He was also active in the American Legion, serving as Director and Road Captain of Post #64 and most recently belonging to Frontenac American Legion Post #43. He was an active member of the Masonic Lodge of Pittsburg as well.
Marriage and Family
John married Rita McNeely on September 23, 2000, at First Christian Church in Pittsburg. She survives him. The obituary lists his other survivors as his son, Nathan Swartz, and Nathan’s wife, Tiffani; his daughter, Kimberly Swartz; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Johnathan Troy Swartz, and by four brothers, Charles, Kenneth, Carl and Jackie Swartz.
The family says his greatest pride was his family. He loved family dinners, sometimes making a big pot of chili and inviting everyone over, and sometimes taking a spur-of-the-moment trip to the chicken house together. The obituary says what mattered to him was having his people together.
Funeral and Memorial Details
- Visitation: Friday, October 9, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until service time, Brenner Mortuary Chapel, 114 East 4th Street, Pittsburg, Kansas 66762.
- Funeral service: Friday, October 9, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., same location, with Reverend Daryl Gaddy officiating.
- Burial: Mt. Olive Cemetery, Pittsburg, Kansas, following the service.
- Memorials: In place of flowers, donations may be made to Patriot K-9 in care of Brenner Mortuary.
Quick Table
| Full Name | John Lee Swartz |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 18, 1947 |
| Date of Death | September 29, 2026 |
| Age | 79 |
| Birthplace | Pittsburg, Kansas |
| Place of Death | Joplin, Missouri |
| Parents | Charles and Nora Lee (Storie) Swartz |
| Education | Pittsburg High School, class of 1965 |
| Military Service | U.S. Air Force from 1972; Third Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group; Airman’s Medal for Valor |
| Career | Police officer, EMT, Director of EMTs, sheriff’s department, campus police at Pittsburg State University |
| Spouse | Rita (McNeely) Swartz, married September 23, 2000 |
| Funeral | October 9, 2026, 12:00 p.m., Brenner Mortuary Chapel; burial at Mt. Olive Cemetery |
| Cause of Death | Not stated in the obituary |
Reader Questions
Who was John Lee Swartz?
He was a 79-year-old Air Force veteran and former police officer and EMT from Pittsburg, Kansas. He was active in the American Legion and the Masonic Lodge.
When did John Lee Swartz die?
His obituary says he died on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri.
How old was John Lee Swartz?
He was 79. He was born on March 18, 1947.
When and where is the funeral?
The funeral is at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Brenner Mortuary Chapel in Pittsburg, Kansas. Visitation starts at 10:00 a.m., and burial follows at Mt. Olive Cemetery.
What military honors did John Lee Swartz receive?
His obituary says he served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War with the Third Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group and received the Airman’s Medal for Valor.
Who survives John Lee Swartz?
He is survived by his wife, Rita; son, Nathan (Tiffani); daughter, Kimberly; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Where should donations go?
The family asks that memorial donations be made to Patriot K-9 in place of flowers. Gifts can be left in care of Brenner Mortuary, 114 East 4th Street, Pittsburg, Kansas.
Wrap-Up
John Swartz spent his working life in uniform and in service to his community, from the Air Force rescue group he served with in Vietnam to police and EMT work in southeast Kansas. His American Legion and Masonic Lodge involvement continued that service well beyond his career.
His family remembers him most for his humor, his stubborn streak and the way he looked after the people he loved. The funeral on October 9, 2026, will be followed by burial at Mt. Olive Cemetery, and donations in his name go to Patriot K-9.
As of October 1, 2026, the confirmed information comes from the Brenner Mortuary obituary, and the funeral is scheduled for October 9, 2026.
Disclaimer
This article is based on the family’s obituary published by Brenner Mortuary and reviewed on October 1, 2026. Details that the obituary does not state, such as cause of death, are not included.
