Michael John Swope

Michael John Swope, born June 14th 1962 to parents Jerry and Lonnie Swope of Pleasant Lake, MI passed away at age 61of natural causes in Jackson, MI on April 13, 2024.

Mike was a 1980 Jackson Northwest High School graduate, received a baccalaureate at Michigan State University and Master of History degree from Notre Dame University.

He taught college history for over 25 years, primarily at Schoolcraft Community College. A lifelong Republican party member who actively participated in local politics and Republican party conventions, Mike enjoyed being the go-to person for advice on politics, books, cuisine, cartoons, traveling, and was an avid Trekkie.

He and best friend Chris Markiewicz attended U-M football games as season ticket holders for many years with their invited guests. Being a historian, he collected vintage road signs from the national highway system he saw built during childhood.

Preceded in death in 2007 by his father Jerry, surviving are mother Lonnie Swope and her partner Franklin Helton of Rives Junction; sister Cheryl (Robert) Cole of Rives Junction; brothers Matt Swope of Muskegon, MI and Rex (Pam) Swope of Alpena, MI; former spouse Candy Crosby and former sister-in-law Amy Swope; nieces Nicole and Annika; nephews Robert, Taylor and Joseph; great nephew Robby; along with several close aunts, uncles and cousins.

A memorial gathering will be held from noon - 2 pm on Saturday, April 20th 2024 at Rives Banquet Hall, 335 N. Railroad St, Rives Junction, MI 49277. Donations to the Jackson County Republican Committee at https://jxngop.org are requested in lieu of flowers.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family Owned for 134 Years