It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Hubert Lee Swope Jr.  Lee was born in Smithville, Missouri on June 21,1967 and passed away unexpectedly to be with his loving Savior on December 9, 2024, at home.

Lee graduated from Plattsburg High School and the University of Central Missouri.  He was a combat veteran, having served in the Navy and the Army National Guard for 24 years. Lee fought in many wars and conflicts over his military career. Lee was an A&P mechanic. He worked for TWA, American Airlines, Vanguard and Aviation Technical Services and taught at the Aviation Institute of Maintenance. After 9-11, between deployments, Lee went to work for Union Pacific Railroad. He worked as a conductor and then a locomotive engineer before returning to aviation.

In 1995, Lee met the love of his life, Julie Ann Arena. They were married on September 7, 1996, at Saint Anthony's in Northeast Kansas City. Lee and Julie have three sons, Joseph Patrick, Michael Christopher and Anthony Vincent Jude. Lee was an incredibly devoted husband and father.

His wife and children were his world.

Lee never knew a stranger and would go out of his way to help anyone. He made friends wherever he went. People and animals were drawn to him. He enjoyed going to the lake house, fishing, KC Mavericks hockey and spending time with his wife and kids.

Lee leaves behind his devoted wife of 28 years, Julie Arena Swope and three sons, Joe Pat, Michael and Anthony, his mother Patricia Arena, sister Jennifer Arena, uncle Glen and aunt Shirlee Swope, uncle Paul Arena, other family members, and his beloved dogs including Buster, who was set to train to be his combat related PTSD service dog.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, his brother David Swope, his father Joseph Arena, and special friend Sonia Clogston.

On Wednesday, December 18th at Passantino Bros. Funeral Home, the Rosary prayed at 4:00 p.m. followed by the Visitation from 4:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 19th at St. Therese Catholic Church. The Mass will be Live Streamed .  Following the Funeral, Burial with honors will be held at 12:30 p.m. at Leavenworth National Cemetery. The family requests no flowers and suggests contributions made to Passantino Bros. Funeral Home in Lee's memory.

Pallbearers include: Joe Pat Swope, Michael Swope, Anthony Swope, Mike Duckworth, Carlos Valdivia and Jim McCarthy.

Honorary Pallbearers include:  Glen Swope, Paul Arena, Rickey Maloney, Pete Quintana, CJ Mannix and Curtis Lee.

Lee Swope, I knew I loved you and would marry you the second day I knew you.  You reminded me so much of my dad.  You had such a good heart and were such an honorable man.  I have witnessed you doing so much for so many and doing the right thing always, even when nobody was looking.  My heart is broken.  I miss you soo much already and don't know how to survive without you.  I will remember what you have told me during every difficult time in our life.  I can hear you saying, "We are going to get through this ONE minute, ONE hour and ONE day at a time, together."  What I know, without a doubt, is that a love like ours never dies.  I love you, ALWAYS and FOREVER, Julie

Dad, people have always stopped me to talk about how much they admire you. I am always proud to tell people that I am your son.  I didn't appreciate until later how hard you and mom worked to give us all of the opportunities you gave us.  This is the hardest thing I have had to go through.  You always think you have more time and that your parents will always be there.  I never imagined this day would come.  You set such an example with your love and dedication for us.  It is evident to all who know you.  This is not going to be easy but the four of us will take care of each other and do our best to honor you. I can only hope to impact as many people as you have.  I love you.  Joe Pat

Dad, I can't believe you are gone.  I am going to miss you more than anything.  There's a hole in my heart that only you can fill.  From watching Barney on the couch together to working on my car or lawnmower, I'll never forget our memories.  I love you.  It has been an honor to be your twin.  Love Mikey Chris

Dad, thank you for being my rock, my teacher, and my hero. Your love, laughter, and guidance shaped me into who I am today. I'll miss our talks, your wisdom, and the way you always knew how to make things right. I don't think I'll ever fully come to terms with your passing, but I know you'll always be watching over me—laughing at my dumb mistakes, being my guardian angel, and guiding me through life. I promise I'll keep making you proud by living with the values you instilled in me: kindness, strength, and perseverance. You were my first role model, my biggest cheerleader, and my constant source of support. Life won't be the same without you, but your love will forever be my compass. I'll carry your memory with me in everything I do, and your spirit will live on in the stories I'll share and the lessons I'll pass down. Rest easy, Dad. I love you more than words can ever express. Love, Anthony