Paul Swadley

(From Greenlawn Funeral Home)

Rev. James Paul Swadley, affectionately known as Swad, was born in Springfield, August 23, 1928 to Rev. Lynn V. Swadley and Jestina (Little) Swadley. 

After attending many different rural schools, he graduated from Rogersville High School in 1946. He attended Southwest Baptist University and received his BA from Missouri State in 1958. He later earned his Masters of Divinity from Midwestern Seminary in 1961. SBU awarded him an honorary doctorate in 1975.

He married Elizabeth (Betty) Youngblood on June 1, 1947. To this union were added three children: John, Mark, and Susan.

Paul served two years in the United States Army including one year in Germany during the Korean War. While in Germany, he surrendered to the ministry and subsequently pastored four Missouri churches: Chestnut Ridge Baptist, First Baptist Rogersville, First Baptist Richland, and South Haven Baptist in Springfield where he retired after 25 years. Following retirement, Swad served over a dozen churches in
Missouri and Colorado as interim pastor.

He served many years as President of the Board of the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home, and was an entertaining auctioneer, raising thousands of dollars to help children in need. He also served as President of the Missouri Baptist Convention in 1978.

Paul preached numerous revivals and led many mission trips. Only heaven will tell how many put their faith in Christ through his ministry. The impact of his life and ministry is immeasurable. Without a doubt we know he was welcomed by His Lord and Savior with, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

Swad loved sports and played basketball, softball, and golf. He was a lifelong fan of MSU basketball and St. Louis Cardinals baseball.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bob, sisters Lela and Doris, and daughter Susan. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Elizabeth (Betty), son John (Sheri), Pastor, Forest Park Baptist Church, Joplin, son Mark (Beth), Minister of Music, Lone Oak First Baptist Church, Paducah, 4 grandchildren, Kristen Bloyd, Christina Grace, Andrew Swadley, and Olivia Swadley, 2 great-grandchildren, Silas and Avery Bloyd, 1 brother, LV “Junior” Swadley, and several nieces and nephews.

Because of the pandemic no formal visitation will be held but friends are invited to pay their respects at Greenlawn South Funeral Home from noon to 5 pm on Tuesday, March 9. A celebration of Swad’s life will be held on Wednesday, March 10 at noon at South Haven Baptist Church. The service will also be livestreamed at https://livestream.com/southhaven. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to South Haven Baptist Church care of Greenlawn South.