David C Swearingen

David Christopher Swearingen, 56, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on May 9, 2026, after an 18-month battle with colon cancer. He was born September 15, 1969, in Denver, Colorado, to Marion and Leona Swearingen. At the age of eight, his family moved to Springfield, where he spent the rest of his life.

David graduated from Kickapoo High School and went on to attend Missouri State University, formerly SMSU, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Accounting. While in college he was involved at the Lutheran Student Center.

In 1996, David met the love of his life, Martha, and the two were married in 1999 at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Together they were blessed with two children, Holly and Heath, who meant everything to David. He was deeply involved in his children’s lives, faithfully attending Heath’s athletic events, accompanying Holly to daddy-daughter dances, supporting both children in their youth group activities at Redeemer.

He enjoyed cars, from owning his Supra and Subaru to collecting, modifying, and driving remote control cars. David was known by family and friends as hardworking, funny, intelligent, loving, and loyal. He gave the best hugs to his children, had a happy-go-lucky personality with friends, and was very dedicated to his family. A lifelong Christian, David was a faithful member of Redeemer Lutheran Church.

David began his working career as a bagger at Smitty’s grocery store, moving on to managerial positions at Wal-Mart and FedEx/Kinko’s. He ended his career in the transportation/supply department at Cox Health, which he truly enjoyed. Though he wore many hats throughout his life, his favorite job was being a dad.

He is survived by his devoted wife Martha: children Holly and Heath Swearingen; mother Leona Swearingen; sister Kathryn (HD) Shallenberger; nephew Ian Shallenberger; father-in-law Carl Becker; brothers-in-law Jonathan Becker (Amy) and David Becker (Rachel); and nieces Grace, Hope, Lydia, and Eleanor Becker.

He was preceded in death by his father Marion Swearingen: infant brother Robert Walz; brother Michael Swearingen; and mother-in-law Lois Becker.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Springfield, under direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa, with Pastor Stephen Moser officiating. 

Cremation will follow. 

Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. immediately before the funeral service at the church. 

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church’s Youth Group https://growsharecare.org/give/ or the Cox Health Foundation.