Sara F Powell-Moody Jul 16, 2023

High school friend ,Leawood ,Kansas

My heartfelt condolences to Kelly’s family on your loss. Kelly was such a nice, friendly guy, and he will be remembered fondly by many of his PHS friends.

Vicky Harmon Jul 16, 2023

Friend ,OP ,Kansas

Kelly was always quick to ask how you’re doing with a smile on his face then asking about my family. One of them best qualities Kelly had was the love he had for his family. As long as we’ve known Kelly when we first met when our son Todd Harmon became friends with Ryan back in elementary school. Todd spent many,many,many hours at the Swartz home,eating,playing games , watching sports . I am so glad that I was able to have known Kelly these years , he was a man that was easy to like and love. Mary and Kelly raised their children to have a strong work ethic and love their family. Take care Mary.! Vicky Harmon

Peggy Carroll Jul 16, 2023

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

My deepest sympathies to Mary and the entire Swartz family. It was a privilege to know this unforgettable man! He always had a smile, and was always so happy to share the latest goings-on with the kids. My prayers are sent to all who will miss Kelly. I count myself as one of the many who will remember Kelly for the smile he could always put on my face.

Carla Doss Jul 17, 2023

Friend ,Wichita ,Kansas

My condolences to the entire Swartz family and his numerous friends. I met Kelly and his family in grade school. Remember him with a big smile on his face always. He did love to laugh and play ball!! We lost touch after high school but reconnected on FB. His love for Mary and his family always was first and foremost, along with his pride for his children. Words can never describe the full impact he had on so many, but he will be missed greatly. Rest in Peace, Kelly.

Charles Overton Jul 17, 2023

My condolences to all the family. This is a huge loss for me and your family killer Kell. You will be deeply missed. I'm so glad we got to talk on a regular basis. It ment the world to me❤️. As I sit with a 💔💔 I will carry you in memory forever. Tell we meet again your love will always be in my heart.

Jake Mitchell Jul 17, 2023

Friend ,Gardner ,Kansas

I'll never forget our conversations, legendary stories he shared, and the fun times during college thru now at the grandkids birthday parties. Great memories that will live on. We are thinking of your family at this difficult time. - Lauren and Jake

Eddie Arnold Jul 17, 2023

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Kelly was my best friend and like a brother to me. I will cherish the times I spent with him. We went on a few road trips to see friends and watch football games and I will miss him terribly. He could always make me laugh and he has the biggest heart of anyone I have ever known. RIP my friend until we meet again.

Mary Kay (Wallen) Easton Jul 17, 2023

Friend

I was shocked to hear of Kelly’s passing. Kelly and I grew up being neighbors and friends, going to school together and many softball games after high school. Kelly’s warm and enduring personality was larger than life and he will be missed by all that knew him. I’m sending love and prayers to all the family and friends, and know his memory will always be a blessing to all. My deepest condolences. Mary Kay (Wallen) Easton

Joyce Swartz Bartley Jul 17, 2023

Cousin ,BENTONVILLE ,Arkansas

Mary and family I was shocked and saddened by Kelly’s passing. A lot of memories of him growing up and as we got older stayed in touch. His love for my Dad was heartfelt and I know he missed him very much. Kelly and I spoke about 6 months ago. My condolences, prayers and love to you, your children, grandchildren and Swartz brothers.

Dianne Daugherty Keller Jul 18, 2023

Pittsburg friend ,Prairie Village ,Kansas

I’m so sorry to hear about Kelly! He was always so happy to see you and made you feel like you were his best friend! I know he will be missed by many! Prayers for peace to all of his families!

Krina Cloninger Jul 18, 2023

Forever Gorilla Friend ,Peculiar ,Missouri

My prayers of comfort to Kelly’s family. Thank you, Killer, for being a dear friend during our years at PittState and the years afterward. I will miss our lunches catching up on life and the pride you had in your beautiful family. Rest easy, sweet friend. ❤️🦍💛

Dzubnar Family Jul 18, 2023

Friends ,Spring ,Texas

Kelly was so amazing! He will be missed and fondly remembered. Godspeed. The Dzubnars

Gregory Cobble Jul 18, 2023

Friend ,Manitou Springs ,Colorado

I am sad to see this news of my dear friend passing so soon and will hope to be there Friday. I loved Kelly so much as he loved all his friends. I will miss him so much and my heart is now so heavy, but know I will see him one day again. My condolences to the family and Mary you were so good to him you are truly an Angel. My humble regards, GC

Brent Jul 18, 2023

Family Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I first met Kelly Swartz way back when his son Michael had invited me over to his house during our fifth grade year. Kelly and his family showed me the same exact unconditional love towards me that day on! Kelly took me in to live with his family shortly after I graduated highschool, and gave me a job working for him. We had epic battles facing each other in tennis at the wellington park courts under the lights after sunset. Kelly always said the kindest most encouraging things towards me growing up, even those few moments such as when he was beating me in tennis and I was yelling out curse words loud enough for the entire neighborhood to hear (obviously God says not to curse and Kelly knows that I believe everything Jesus has said to be true). Kelly introduced me to my favorite burger I have ever tasted, originally 1106 before becoming 5th Street bar and grill. Kelly took me and his son Michael there before/after we went to watch the Pittsburg State football games together. Kelly helped me step out of my comfort zone when I was petrified of going to public places. He helped me to see how much more capable I was to actually have courage, as God has called upon us. Kelly showed me how much easier life is to be myself (who God has called me to be) versus living in my head worried about what others may think of me. Kelly, I will see you in heaven soon with our Lord Jesus Christ who saved us from our sins and we will live in paradise with our Father for eternity. Revelations 21:4-7 (KJV) And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is a thirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son."

Carolyn Daugherty Ward Jul 18, 2023

Kelly was always so nice and lots of fun. I know how much he will be missed. My heart and prayers go out to your family.

The Besler Family Jul 20, 2023

Friends ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Mary and family: Our condolences, thoughts, and prayers for Kelly and your family! Have lots of fun memories of Kelly and all the ball games and practices and the support he gave to all the kids! I know how much he will be missed by you, your children, and grandchildren…may his memories help you through these sad times! Greg & Diane and family

Willie and Susan Fritz Jul 21, 2023

Friend ,New Orleans ,Louisiana

Mary, and family, we were so heartbroken to hear of Kelly’s passing. He had the biggest heart and was always so full of love and enthusiasm for life and for everyone he came into contact with! We have such fond memories of coming to your house for dinner back in the 90’s when our kids were young. Kelly has been such devoted a friend to Willie over the years, always cheering on his football teams and calling to chat and reminisce on Pitt St memories. Mary, I never saw Kelly once when he didn’t brag about you and the kids and the grandkids! You all were truly the love and light of his life! His pride and joy and reason for living were all of you. I know his physical absence is incredibly painful right now. But a spirit like Kelly’s will live on in the lives of those who knew and loved him. We are praying for your peace and comfort at this difficult time, and trusting that God will surround you with His love. All Our Love, Willie and Susan

Greg Remington Jul 21, 2023

Friend ,New York ,New York

Had a friendship with Kelly since we were in kindergarten in Pittsburg, me growing up on East Monroe, the Swartz family residing a few blocks away on East Washington. The guy could tell some stories, couldn't he? Believe I always walked away from a conversation with Kelly smiling and shaking my head at what I had just heard; always entertaining. Just loved competing against him in local baseball leagues. He was an excellent player and competitor. We drifted apart after high school, but still had some memorable reunions - in Albuquerque and, most recently, in Pittsburg at our 40-year high school reunion. Smiling at the memories of Kelly, but also want to extend my heartfelt thoughts to Mary, their children, Bill, Terry and Jerry, and all those who remember a larger-than-life personality.

Sandra and Judge Smith Jul 25, 2023

Friend ,Prairie Village ,Kansas

Because of the big-hearted impact that Kelly had on our family's life, his warm spirit, kindheartedness, and memory will forever live on in the lives of our family. May God embrace and comfort his family until they meet again.