June 20, 1939 – May 19, 2026

Kenneth Lee Swigart, 86, of Higginsville, Missouri, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Kenneth was born on June 20, 1939, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Oddis L. and Dorothy W. (LaRue) Swigart. He spent the first few years of his life in Napoleon, Missouri, before moving with his family to Higginsville, where he would spend the rest of his life.

As a boy, Kenneth loved fishing and hunting, passions that stayed with him throughout his life. In November 1956, he proudly joined the United States Air Force and was stationed at Laredo Air Force Base in Texas. While there, he met the love of his life, Billie A. Robbins, his “little Texas Rose.” The two were married on October 15, 1960, beginning a beautiful marriage that lasted 65 years. After leaving the Air Force in November 1960, Kenneth and Billie made their home in Higginsville, where they built a life filled with love, laughter, family, and friendship.

On April 1, 1965, Kenneth began his career with West Central Electric Cooperative as a groundman. Two years later, he was promoted to Groundman Truckdriver. He dedicated 40 years of hard work and service to West Central before officially retiring in March 2005.

Kenneth was a longtime member of the Higginsville Horseshoe Club during the 1970s and loved pitching horseshoes. He was also a devoted racing fan who took his family to stock car and sprint car races nearly every summer weekend, eventually developing a lifelong love of NASCAR.

Following retirement, Kenneth enjoyed woodworking and spent countless hours in his garage crafting beautiful furniture, including benches, tables, and other treasured pieces for family and friends. He loved to tinker and was happiest working with his hands.

Kenneth and Billie shared many wonderful years at Truman Lake, where they owned a houseboat for more than 30 years. They spent weekends fishing, relaxing, and making lifelong friendships with the many people they met there.

Those who knew Kenneth will remember his dry sense of humor, his mischievous spirit, and his ornery personality that could always bring laughter to those around him. He lived a full and meaningful life centered around family, hard work, and the simple joys he loved most.

Kenneth is survived by his beloved wife, Billie A. Swigart of Higginsville; his daughters, Deborah A. Moats (Greg) of Boerne, Texas, and Cindy L. Swigart of Higginsville; four grandchildren, Nicolas Hoefer (Shelley) of Charlotte, TX, Joseph Houston (Rebecca) of Knob Noster, Colby Hoefer (Cristi) of Holly Springs, NC, and Jeremy Houston of Vancouver, WA; ten great-grandchildren and multiple nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Kenneth was preceded in death by his brothers, John Swigart and Lester Swigart.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him. He was laid to rest at the Missouri Veterans Cemetary. Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Assn.