SWOPE, Edward Leon (Ed)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Wednesday, January 06, 2016 Edward Leon Swope went to be with his Lord and Savior Jan. 2, 2016 after a long and courageous battle with esophageal cancer. He was born in Prescott, Arizona on Nov. 7, 1949 and has enjoyed living in his hometown since birth. He is survived by his wife Kathy; daughter Ashley Swope Diumenti; son-in-law John; and grandsons John Ashton, Jacob and Elliott. He was preceded in death by his daughter Misty Dawn; and his mother Laola Swope. He graduated from Prescott High School in 1967 and attended Northern Arizona University and Yavapai College. Ed served in the U.S. Army on active duty from 1969 to 1971 including a tour in Vietnam, then in the reserves. He loved his country and further served other veterans by working at the Prescott Veteran's Administration for 43 years. While assisting veterans at Fort Whipple in Prescott, Arizona he always felt he was continuing to provide support to his fellow veterans. His family and friends enjoyed his sense of humor and positive outlook in life. He would often say everything is just "ducky." He thoroughly enjoyed having lively politically incorrect conversations, as he would describe them. His strong faith in God sustained him throughout his life but especially during the last three years when he totally trusted the Lord during his journey with cancer. The family requests donations be made to Wounded Warriors or St. Jude Children's Hospital in his memory, The family asks that you join them to celebrate and remember Ed at noon on Jan. 9, 2016 at the Yavapai County Education Service Agency office, 2970 Centerpointe East Drive, Prescott, Arizona. Please plan to share a good story about Ed and join us for lunch. Hampton Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements. Information provided by survivors.