Mark William Swearingin, 66, passed away September 14, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family in Lawson, MO, following a four-year battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Mark was born in Kansas City, MO, and raised in KC and Lawson.
At age 13, Mark began working during the summers and weekends at his father’s business, Swearingin Construction. He graduated from high school in Lawson and completed his business degree from Missouri Western State College. After working in banking several years, he rejoined his father’s business of pouring concrete foundations. In 2001, Mark and his brother-in-law formed and co-owned Swearingin Concrete Foundations. He loved all aspects of the business, including working in the field and especially the sense of accomplishment when completing a quality concrete wall or foundation.
Mark is the son of Larry and Anita Swearingin. He met the love of his life, Valerie Benson, in high school. In 1978, they were united in marriage and were happily married for over 45 years. They had two beautiful daughters together.
Mark loved the Lord and is at peace in heaven now. He was secure in his Faith and prayed for deliverance from this horrible disease — either deliverance through healing/miracle or deliverance to heaven (2 Samuel 2:22 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer).
Mark loved being outside and walked or hiked whenever he had a chance, whether it was a street in New York City or a dirt trail in the wilderness. He always said if you can get up in the morning and walk, you are truly blessed. One of his favorite places to hike was in New Mexico, especially the Valles Caldera National Preserve. He was a voracious reader of non-fiction, loved traveling, music, history, the outdoors, and a good margarita.
He is survived by his parents, Anita and Larry; his wife Valerie; two daughters, Rachel Swearingin and Sarah (Joseph) Decker; three wonderful grandsons, Maxwell, Jameson, and Turner; a sister Sharon (Andy) Embrey; and aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews.
The family requests, that if you so choose, make a donation to a cause or charity of your choice in honor of Mark.
A visitation for Mark will be held on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Bross & Spidle
Funeral Home- Lawson Chapel. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 20 at Lawson United Christian Presbyterian Church with burial to follow at Old Union Cemetery.
Our Sincere Condolences
So sorry to hear of Marks passing. Not sure if Mark ever talked much about is UMR days or now MUST. I was Mark’s roommate during his first semester at the Thomas Jefferson (TJ) hall. He and I met during freshman orientation and thought we would be a good match as roommates as we both were on our own attending this new life in the university system. A mutual friend of ours Tim Ellison made me aware of Marks passing. I just wanted to let you know even in his short stay at Rolla Mark made a very positive impact on many of us on TJ’s 5th floor. One thing I’ll never forget about Mark is when he offered me a piece of gum. I said sure. He gave me a heads up that it was the flavor of clove. I chewed on it for a bit but, I’ll have to say I never asked for a piece again. :). I’ve always thought of him as a good friend. Just wanted you to know some passed friends of his.
John