David Jackson Swearingen, businessman, devoted family man, and community leader, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 12, at the age of 83, surrounded by his loving family.
David was born on January 12, 1943, in Nevada, Missouri, to John Wallace "Jack" Swearingen and Josephine Jackson Swearingen. He graduated from Nevada High School in 1961, where he excelled both academically and athletically, participating in basketball, baseball, and football.
He earned a bachelor's degree in business from Pittsburg State University in 1965, where he was also a member of the golf team. Following graduation, David joined First National Bank, working alongside his father and brother in the family-owned business. Over the course of nearly six decades, he served in many leadership roles before retiring in 2022 as President and Chief Executive Officer.
David found tremendous joy in working alongside his sons, and his career was defined by hard work, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. He treated his employees like family and earned the admiration and respect of colleagues, customers, and friends through his mentorship, fairness, and steady leadership.
A lifelong resident of Nevada, David deeply loved his hometown and believed in giving back to the community that had given so much to him. He served on numerous civic committees and boards and was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church. His philanthropic efforts supported the Nevada R-5 School District through awarding scholarships for graduating seniors, youth sports programs, and the Vernon County Youth Fair.
Above all, David's greatest joy was his family. He shared 38 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Susan, building a life together founded on love, partnership, and mutual respect. They treasured traveling together and created many lasting memories on their adventures. David also enjoyed golfing, reading, and, perhaps most of all, cheering on his sons and later his grandchildren at countless sporting events. He rarely missed an opportunity to be in the stands, proudly supporting the people he loved most.
David is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Susan; his sons, Matthew Ingle Swearingen and his wife, Joyce, and Joseph Wooddy Swearingen and his wife, Sarah, all of Nevada, Missouri. He was the proud grandfather of Jadyn Mattie Francis and her husband, Alex; Carter Jackson Swearingen; Owen Wooddy Swearingen; Clara Louise Swearingen; and Lucille Margaret Swearingen. He was also blessed with a great-grandson, Jeffrey Joseph Francis. In addition, he is survived by his brother-in-law, Ron Mordy, and several beloved nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Wallace "Jack" and Josephine Jackson Swearingen; his brother, Hinton Wooddy Swearingen; his sister-in-law, Virginia Swearingen; his sister, Margaret Swearingen Mordy; and his son, Jeffrey Jackson Swearingen.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the United Methodist Church in Nevada with Pastor Jeff Robinson and Pastor Bill Platt officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:30-11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the church.
David will be remembered for his unwavering integrity, generous spirit, quiet leadership, and steadfast devotion to his family and his community. Those wishing to honor David’s memory may make memorial contributions to the Nevada R-5 Foundation, Moore Few Care Center or St. Croix Hospice in care of Ferry Funeral Home.
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