Karl Guy Swope

Karl Guy Swope, age 67, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He bravely battled cancer for eight years and has received his long-awaited complete healing. He was born on July 19, 1957, in McConnellsburg, PA to Paul G. Swope and Mildred (Schooley) Swope. Karl graduated from Southern Fulton in 1975, and married Susan (DeShong) Swope on July 2, 1977, giving them 47 years of marriage. Karl was an active member of the Pleasant Ridge Church of the Nazarene in Harrisonville, PA. When his truck driving schedule allowed him to be at home, his priority was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and friends, as that was the part of life that he enjoyed more than anything! Anyone blessed to know Karl, recognized his desire to make the most of life by laughing and having a good time even if it involved a joke or a few pranks. Karl lived his life to selflessly help his family and friends as he was the individual that would give the shirt off his back to help anyone in need no matter the personal sacrifice it required on his behalf. His all-time favorite hobby was collecting, repairing, and restoring antique Farmall & International tractors. He was known to take more than one old tractor that appeared to be junk and give it another chance at life. He was raised on the family dairy farm which taught him the importance of hard work as a child. Karl's first job away from the farm was at Grove as a welder following his high school graduation. In 1979, Karl embarked on what became a 44-year career as an over the road truck driver. His first trucking experience was as an owner/operator for North & South. After selling his own truck, he spent several years driving trucks for JLG which allowed him to have more time at home with his most cherished possession, his family. He also worked for many years driving for Smith Transport in Roaring Spring. Of all his experiences, he talked most fondly about his days in the fancy Smith Transport trucks. The last 23 years of his career was spent at ABF Freight in Carlisle, PA. Altogether, logging more than 12 million miles upon his retirement in 2023. Following his retirement, he was blessed with the opportunity to provide care for his mother, Mildred, as well as enjoy time with his family and friends. Karl is survived by his mother, Mildred, of Needmore; his wife, Susan, of Needmore; a son, Paul G. Swope (husband of Janna) of Needmore; two daughters, Karla S. Shadle (wife of Joshua) of Harrisonville, and Kelsi L. Ardiel (wife of Taylor) of Needmore; seven grandchildren, Thomas and Gavin Swope, Jonathan and Kaden Shadle, Randy Karl, Zoey, and Grayson (Tucker) Ardiel; two brothers E. Charles Swope (husband of Tina) of Needmore, and Kermit Swope (husband of Sheila) of Warfordsburg; one sister L. Charlene Post (wife of James) of Needmore; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul. The family will receive friends from 4PM until 8PM on Friday, November 15, 2024, at Sipes Funeral Home in McConnellsburg. Funeral service will be Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 11AM at Pleasant Ridge Church of the Nazarene in Harrisonville, PA with Rev. Joshua Shadle and Rev. William Swope officiating. There will be a viewing one-hour prior to the funeral. Burial will be in the church cemetery with Taylor Ardiel officiating. Services have been entrusted to the care of Sipes Funeral Home in McConnellsburg, PA. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Pleasant Ridge Church of the Nazarene building fund in memory of Karl. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Heartland Hospice for providing Karl with care during his last days. They would also like to express their appreciation for the many medical team members at Fulton County Medical Center and Well Span that provided ongoing care for him during his battle with cancer. Arrangements were made by the Howard L. Sipes Funeral Home Inc., McConnellsburg, PA. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.howardlsipes.com.