Alan Swarts Obituary

Alan Carl Swarts, 72, passed away peacefully at Neuvant House in Lawrence, on Saturday, May 13, 2023, with Margene, his wife of nearly 48 years, by his side, after a valiant struggle with brain cancer.

Alan was born on February 1, 1951, in Russell, KS, the son of William Eugene and Anita Marie (Webster) Swarts. He graduated from Turner High School, received a Bachelor of Science in Business degree from Emporia State University and a Master of Science in Education degree from the University of Kansas.

Alan married Margene K. Zumbrunn on September 27, 1975, in Bonner Springs, KS. Alan and Margene moved to Liberal, KS where Alan worked for Seward County Community College in Data Processing and served as the Director of Data Processing. After four years, the couple moved to Lawrence where Alan worked for Douglas County, Computer Services Agency, and the University of Kansas in various Information Technology positions before moving to Johnson County Community College, from which he retired in 2011. During his time there he served as the Director of Academic Technology Services, Director of Computing Support Services and the Director of Accelerated Programs.

Alan loved helping other people in whatever capacity he could. He volunteered for the United Way of Greater Kansas City and of Lawrence, served a six-year term on the ESU Alumni Association board and attended the ESU NE KS Alumni meetings. Additionally, he was happy to lend a hand with his information technology background to several horse and Dressage related activities in support of his wife's passion for horses, as well as helping any family member or friend who had a "computer" problem they couldn't fix.

Alan's passions were sports, golf, and bridge. When he "retired" from officiating basketball and softball, he began playing golf in earnest and his clubs were always in his vehicle. After retirement, he enjoyed bridge and friends at the Lawrence Bridge Club. Alan also belonged to the Endicott Retirees Association, affiliated with KU, and the Johnson County Community College Retirees Association.

Alan was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Margene and his beloved dog, Toto, of the home; brother, Christopher (Raye Ann) Swarts, Sulphur, LA; sister-in-law, Rayma (Steve) Potter, Long Lane, MO: nephews, Aaron (Krystal) Swarts, Shawnee, KS; Adam (Brittany) Swarts, N. Kansas City, MO; Keaton Potter, Eudora, KS; Alex (Alexandra) Potter, Kansas City, KS; niece, Arrolyn (Matthew) Baker, Kansas City, KS; great nephews, Miller Swarts, Trey Potter (Kaleigh Bennefeld), Kasyn Baker, Remington Potter, Jayden Holroyd; great nieces, Aila Swarts, Alexis Potter, Khali Potter, and Anastasia Potter; uncles, Jerry Webster, Philadelphia, PA, Chester and Alvin Webster, Russell, KS, John Anderson, Osborne, KS, and several cousins.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Lawrence Humane Society, Visiting Nurses Association, Emporia State University Foundation or the charity of choice and may be sent in the care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

No services are planned at this time as his body has been donated to the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. A Celebration of Life for Alan will be held on June 10, 2023, location and time to be determined.

For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.