We are deeply saddened to share with you the passing of retired Brother John Earl Schwope, age 75, on January 1, 2023
John had started with American Airlines in 1969, In 1994 he worked as a Aviation Maintenance Technician Crew Chief and in 1996 he became an Inspector. He retired in 2002. John also served in the U.S. Navy.
He was born June 10, 1947 in Detroit, MI.
Please keep the Schwope family in your thoughts and prayers.
Obituary
It is with deep sadness that Patsy announces the passing of her beloved soulmate:
John (Johnney) Earl Schwope was born in Detroit, Michigan on June 10th 1947. He was raised by his father William Clyde Schwope and, in his early years, by his mother Justine Margarita Ida Louise Johnston. After his mother passed in 1962, his father married Jean Catherine McQueenie who also assisted in raising him. John’s wit came from his close relationship with Jean and his favorite Aunt Mary Anne Francis Theresa Johnston-Farley.
John was a radioman (RM3) while serving in the U.S. Navy. He was stationed on the USS Sacramento (AOE1), a fast combat support ship which went 32 knots. She was an experimental ship combining the functions of three logistics ships in one hull; fleet oiler (AO), ammunition ship (AE), and refrigerated stores ship (AFS). It was known as the “happy sack.” He was also stationed on the USS Grasp, a salvage ship, that did towing, rescue and diving. He often talked about climbing to the top of Chichi Jima. During his 6 years of service, he earned a Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star.
John grew up in a golfing family and was a Class A golfer so it was only natural for him to play for the Navy. Prior to August 1984, John and his brother, Bill, won the Publinx tournament at McDill Air Force Base. He has also won the American Airlines tournament near Tulsa on Good Friday.
For the first 10 years with American Airlines John was employed washing airplanes in San Diego. He then transferred to Tulsa to attend school for his A&P license and was later promoted to crew chief. After 33 years with American Airlines he retired as a QA inspector in 2002. He still held his high security clearance standing in the event of a national disaster.
John married Elaine Antis and they had two sons, John Earl and Jason Charles. John was happy that Little John was a union man like himself. John wasn’t a religious man but when his son, Jason, preached he always attended his service.
After many years of friendship, John and I married in April 1985. His two sons and my two daughters, Theresa Marie Bologna-Duncan and Diana Lynn Bologna, became our children. Since Theresa lived the closest John and Theresa became close allies, always laughing and joking with each other.
John and I also have two daughters that have “adopted” us, April and Sara. April says, “John was an introvert who mostly kept to himself but if you were one of the few who really got to know him he would come alive and his sense of humor was perfect.” Sara says “Daddy John was a good man and her dad because he cared for her. She will appreciate him for the rest of her life”.
John and I have had a good life together full of love and respect. John always bought me the perfect birthday, anniversary and Valentine’s Day cards. He was so encouraging of my interest in learning new hobbies. At first we were weekend RVers until retirement when we became full time, traveling around the U.S. for 8 years, visiting family and making many great friends. We were blessed to have each other. The perfect couple. He was a fixer and I am a creator. We were a dream team with computers, him doing the hardware and me teaching the software. We were comfortable with each other and laughed often. He was my protector. He was my everything and I miss him greatly.
John was preceded in death by his parents Bill, Justine, and Jean, Elaine, Aunt Mary Anne, his Uncle Earl Edward Johnston II, Aunt Eleanor “Babe” Johnston-Turk and her twin Aunt Earlene, nephew Bryan, Cousin Kathleen, and grandson Detric Duncan.
Besides me being left to mourn his passing, John leaves his children, his sister Lela Anne Schwope-Seale, his brother Bill, Aunt Ramona “Sugar” Johnston-Souter, numerous cousins, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
We are one love forever and I will always be with you in spirit.
Your loving wife,
Patsy Schwope
There will be a memorial service on February 3rd at 10:00 in the Crystal Ballroom at Westwind RV and Golf Resort in Yuma, Arizona.