Donald Roy Swope

Don was born in Pittsburgh, PA and was the oldest son of William and Jane Swope. He grew up and went to school in Etna, PA where he was a three sport varsity player. He served honorably for the U.S. Army in Korea and upon his return he attended Little Rock Junior College on the GI Bill. It was during this time that Don met and married his wife, Patsy, who was from North Little Rock, Arkansas. He was subsequently recruited to play football for Louisiana State University where he graduated with a degree in physical education.

Upon graduation, Don and Patsy moved back to Etna, Pennsylvania to start their life together. Don went to work for the state of Pennsylvania, and was active in the local VFW as well as local softball and golf leagues. Don was an avid sports fan, supporting all Pittsburgh teams and his alma mater LSU, as well as serving as a Little League baseball coach.

Don was a devoted grandfather, crossing Pennsylvania by car - and later train - to spend as much time as he could with his grandchildren. He was a well-known supporter of the Great Valley Drama Guild, where all of his grandchildren performed over the years. Later in life, he took up square dancing with Patsy and enjoyed time with their many friends. In 2016, Don moved with Patsy to Media, PA to be closer to their family.

Don is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Natalie and Robert Cooper; son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Maria Swope; six grandchildren, Amanda Bell (Andrew); Holly Cooper (Allen); Alexander Swope (Melissa); Evan Cooper (Courtney); Charles Swope (Elyse); Dena Swope; and five great-grandchildren - Zoe, Penelope, Calliope, Benedict, and Jack. Don is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law Bill and Linda Swope of Gibsonia, PA as well as his sister-in-law, Polly Redmond of North Little Rock, AR, and was predeceased by his sister, Doris Keck of Mars, PA.

Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars